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Welcome back, I’m so glad you’re here. There’s no need for a Google search to solve a dilemma: you already possess the wisdom and resilience to navigate life’s challenges.

A is for Aileen (Mum)

If in doubt, consider what Mum would do. If you’re in need of a distraction, tidy something. You’ll be too busy to fret over your worries, and may even find the answer you were looking for.

B is for Belief

Sometimes, all you can do is take a leap of faith. Trust that something better is around the corner, then go find it.

C is for Clouds

Feeling overwhelmed? Look up at the sky and watch a cloud’s progress across the horizon. Clouds remind us that all things, even heavy feelings, pass with time.

D is for Dreams

Pay attention to your dreams — they reveal worries and, sometimes, answers. Catch any fragments you can.

E is for Emotions

Experience your emotions; like clouds, they are fleeting and sometimes wonderful.

F is for Feelings

Allow yourself to sit with feelings, without judgement. Accepting them gives you space to heal and grow.

G is for Giggle

Humour can be found even in dark moments. Few things are better than a belly laugh. Go on, have a giggle!

H is for Hearing

Take a moment and really listen to what’s happening around you: conversations and movement, or music and birdsong. Lose yourself in the sonic space.

I is for Introversion

Shyness isn’t a flaw, but an asset. Embrace your quiet strengths.

J is for Jigsaws

Remember the joy of play, be it puzzling or words or images. Like a jigsaw, tackle challenges one piece at a time.

K is for Kindness

Small acts of kindness connect us and take us beyond ourselves.

L is for Look Busy

Worried about work? Remember Dad’s advice: “look busy.” Need a prop? Consider a clipboard and a serious facial expression.

M is for Make Do

Caught up in the need to replace something for no real reason, or in the belief that it will somehow make life better? Consider if the item still works or if it can be fixed. Make do, as your grandparents did.

N is for Nap

A brief nap can reset your mood and energy. Sometimes, pausing is the most productive thing you can do.

O is for Orchestra

Life is complex, with moments of discord and silence. Embrace your role and trust that together, we create something richer.

P is for Planning

Before rushing into a project, take time to plan. Sketch it out, list the steps, then start.

Q is for Quiet

The need to process experiences and emotions in peace is essential to who you are.

R is for Read
Read something — anything. Books hold untapped wisdom within their pages.

S is for Siblings

Need a reality check? Reach out to a sibling. They’ll remind you of your imperfections, but also of what you’re capable of becoming.

T is for Try

Every attempt is a step forward, even if imperfect. Give it a go.

U is for Unexpected

Do something out of the ordinary. Surprise yourself with a new adventure.

V is for Vibraphone

Need a lift? Listen to Avalon from the 1938 Benny Goodman concert at Carnegie Hall and experience the irrepressible joy of Lionel Hampton playing the vibraphone.

W is for Wonder

Experience the wonder of the world around you. See the intricate detail on a spider’s web, the graceful flight of a bird.

X is for Xanthippe

Socrates’ strong-willed wife, Xanthippe, was selected due to her argumentative nature. She reminds us to be respectful, and stand up for what you believe in.

Y is for Yearn

Have something to look forward to and strive towards — this supports a sense of purpose.

Z is for Zest

Life is for enjoying — embrace each day with enthusiasm and let your energy inspire others.

Whether you’re seeking comfort, inspiration, or a nudge forward, let these reflections guide you back to your own inner resources. Return to these pages whenever you require perspective or reassurance and remember: every day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and savour the zest of living.

This was written to a prompt at a local writing group.

Photo: Hand sculpture at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney