Hello to all the bold and beautiful people in my world
I will be honest with you Dear Reader, July has not been the best of months for me.
At times it’s been long, emotional, wet, wintry, sad, and I will be glad to move into August – we’ll be that bit closer to spring for one thing and hopefully things will be looking up soon!
But at other times it was beautiful, uplifting, fun and heartwarming. A bit like life really!
I did, however, continue to be BOLD during the ups and downs of July.
I can’t let a dose of the winter doldrums bring me down, although it’s good to acknowledge how I’m feeling! And I’m happy to say Things are looking up and I finished the month in a blazer of glory!
Bold is the new way of the world!
My Word of the Year (#WOTY) for 2021 is BOLD. You can read my original post here – 60 years old and feeling BOLD – which sets the scene for my year!
How’s my bold year going so far?
I have been having fun finding different ways to share, and live my WOTY, through quotes, memes, stories and photos – it helps to keep me accountable. A friend sent me this quote knowing how I like to find bold quotes. Thanks again Leanne 🙂
Boldness is mostly putting one foot in front of the other while something else is happening that we can’t see.
Katy Friedman Miller
So far, I’ve managed to keep track of my progress in posts during January, February, March, April, May and June. I do enjoy writing these reflective posts, although they take me a while to do!
Showcasing my bold photo for July
Each month I try to have a photo that shows how I’ve embraced my growing boldness. This jumper was an online purchase – what’s not to love – it’s orange, it’s bright, it’s oversized, it’s funky, it has a star on it and I just love wearing it.
It’s been a relatively quiet month but I still managed to be BOLD in some ways.
I continued to say yes to things and enjoyed new opportunities and had fun at the same time.
- I was part of a book collaboration post which was published earlier in the month. This was organised by Carol from Reading Ladies, and I was included as one of the 20 contributors for a great summer read (despite it being winter here) – Find your one ‘Must Read’ book of 2021. The book I recommended as my one must read book for 2021 was Joanne Tracey’s Escape to Curlew Cottage.
- I ran a marathon (well sort of) during July. I realised a long held dream to run a marathon. I was an ‘extra’ in some filming for a promotional video for the marathon to be run on the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail on 9 October 2021. I’m proud to say I did run a bit and then spent the rest of the day riding to Rosewood and back with friends for our usual Social Saturday ride. A beautiful sunny winter’s day to be out and about in Tumbarumba!
- I joined Donna and Deb for their monthly challenge – What’s on your plate? for the first time, sharing a yummy recipe and the story behind it.
- I did a podcast interview with my good friend Sue at Women Living Well after 50, which will be out shortly – it’s all about my Bold year!
- I posted almost every day of July, joining Becky for her month of #TreeSquare posts – and what fun it was too! You can see all my #TreeSquare posts here
- I’m joining blogging friends Jo, Sue and Donna for a new challenge starting on20 August, all about What’s on your Bookshelf?
How did July go for being bold?
My words for July spelling out BOLD are: Books and Blogging, On-line connections, Lockdown, Difference
Books and Blogging – books play an important part of my life these days and when I can combine blogging and books, it’s even better. Due to lockdown restrictions my local bookclub has been unable to get together each month but we are still reading our prescribed books and staying in touch with each other. My online bookclub had a great time reading Jane Eyre, finishing with a cooking session (as we do) where we made Fat Rascals. I was lucky to have a special helper at our cooking session.
On-line connections – the connections we make as bloggers, around the world and within my own country, has really helped me this month. I’ve started an online exercise session with friends and love the connections we make during these tough times. The comments, support and encouragement are always most welcome. Being Bold is made easier with such good friends!
Lockdown – Although our little town in regional NSW hasn’t been in actual lockdown for the whole month of July and beyond, like Sydney, it has impacted on us nevertheless. The anxiety and stress I feel whenever the case numbers, deaths and details are released at the daily press conferences, has made it hard to pretend all is well. It might be fine in our little corner of the world but we still can’t have gatherings of more than 5 in homes, so no bookclub or similar get togethers or meetings. We wear our masks into shops, check-in with QR codes, use hand sanitiser, but I know we are so very lucky compared to others. At one stage during July, over half of Australia was in lockdown. I have had my first AZ shot and will have my second next month. The uncertainty and fear is growing and spontaneous travel, even for a weekend away, is almost unheard of. We are staying at home, lying low and feeling sad about family visits which were planned for August, as they won’t be going ahead as we had hoped.
Difference – I was reminded during the month (again), that we all have a limited time on this earth. We lost a few good people from our little town this month and our family always remember those who left us in July in years gone by – my brother-in-law in 2014 and my father-in-law in 2018.
It reminded me to make a difference wherever possible and the this poem, The Dash by Linda Ellis, says it so well – here are a few lines from it:
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning… to the end.
He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
So when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?
As a distraction to everything going on in the world, I’ve been enjoying the Olympics and have loved the positivity and fabulous efforts of our Aussie Olympians. They’re making a difference!
Make a difference! Be BOLD.
So, that’s just some of my BOLD story for July! How was your month?
What’s next?
In terms of blogging, as I said above, I’m joining blogging friends, Donna, Sue and Jo for a new monthly series – What’s on Your Bookshelf? #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge – we hope you can join us too. I’ll continue joining in with other regular linkups – Denyse’s #lifethisweek, Natalie’s #Weekendcoffeeshare, Deb and Donna’s #whatsonyourplateblogchallenge and Terri’s #SundayStills
Denyse’s #lifethisweek has the optional prompt this week of Question so I am using this post for her linkup and answering the question in my title – I’m doing well, all things considered!
I’ll continue to review my WOTY each month – what I’ve done, how I’m feeling, looking at new things to add to my list and just living as boldly as I can. It’s such a fabulous Word of the Year!
Be bold, or go home!
Donna from Retirement Reflections
I hope you’ve enjoyed my latest edition of Becoming Bold.
Are you feeling bold too? Tell me how you’re going, I’d love to have a chat with you.
Deb xx
All my BOLD posts can be found here
Recent posts you may have missed:
- I’d rather be… #SundayStills
- That empty feeling when you finish a series #WOYBS
- Tell Us About…Scent
- You’re amazing just the way you are
- The Nation of Deb’s World
You can also find Deb’s World in lots of other places – stay in touch by clicking any of the buttons below.
Everyone has a story to tell! Deb is a young-at-heart & active 60+ blogger/retiree, after being made redundant from her 22-year career managing education programs in a men’s correctional centre (jail). She now spends her time reading, blogging, riding her ebike and travelling. Deb was awarded a Bravery Award from the Queen when she was 17 after a tragic accident – a definite life changing moment! She is married with 3 grown-up daughters & has 4 grandchildren. She never imagined being Granny Debs would bring so much joy to her life! You can read more of Deb’s story here
Copyright © 2021 debs-world.com – All rights reserved
Deb's World 
I love your honest and reflective and inspiring posts! Thanks for including our collaboration post! This pandemic is for the long haul for sure. It causes me to reflect on past events like WW11 where people endured for so long. In the US there’s a contingent of people who voice their opinions loudly (I’m sure you’ve noticed it on the ‘gram). I’m sick of hearing from both sides in regards to vaccines and masks. Just do the right thing to help us all out here! Hopefully August will be better for you….although it sounds like you made the best of it in July. In SoCal we don’t have extreme winters or a lot of rain…we’re moderate and mild mostly year round….probably the most uncomfortable are hot summer days…it’s 96* F today. 🥵 time for a few laps in the pool!
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Thanks Carol, I do try to be honest and writing a reflective post helps me see what I’ve been up to and how I’m feeling. Yes we have some of those people here too – as you say, just do the right thing! You have lovely temps at the moment. It was my pleasure to include the collab post, I loved it!
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I love that jumper! How fab!
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It’s such a great buy Lydia, and I have to smile when I wear it. Others have also commented on it when I’m out and about, so it has an effect on others too 🙂
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Wow. I have my word for the year (growth), but not for the month. This is amazing and I think I should start tackling my word month-by-month. Thanks so much for this inspiration, and you’ve definitely been bold indeed!
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Thanks Stuart, I’ve been writing a monthly update for each of my Words OTY over the last few years, and it helps me keep accountable plus it’s fun!
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Great jumper! Bold for sure, and fun. In other words, perfect 🙂
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I love it and smile each time I wear it. Thanks 🙂
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Hi Deb, I think these lockdowns are starting to take their toll on most people. Our situation in South East Queensland is getting worse, and we’re in lockdown til at least Saturday. That, along with winter, is bound to make you feel less bold last month. You still found a way though – bravo for buying a bright jumper and joining in the filming of the marathon. Those are the things that make us smile. Regards, Christina
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Yes Christina, I think you’re right. The uncertainty is hard and keeping everyone on tenterhooks. I did manage to do a lot and I’m proud of myself for pushing through the month and smiling more than I cried xx
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Hi Deb – well it sounds like there was a lot of good to outweigh the low times during July. I’m sorry to hear about the impact covid is having on you and your loved ones. We’re so fortunate here in WA to have virtually no exposure at all – and it feels like the bubble we’re in is our “normal” – Perth had a week or two of semi-lockdown, but here we’re all good. Nice to see that your blogging is going in leaps and bounds (mine is just cruising along as I find other IRL pursuits to engage me more with my real world again). Keep inspiring us with your boldness x
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Hi Leanne, it wasn’t the best month but I tried to look for the positives and I have much to be grateful for. You are fortunate over there! It sounds like you’re enjoying getting into IRL pursuits, I’m happy for you 🙂
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It certainly is difficult days we’re living in these days Deb but despite that it sounds very much like you are living up to your WOTY of being bold so good for you! I’m sorry July is a sad reminder of those loved ones you’ve lost. I lost a dear friend during July from cancer. I’ve known her since I was 18. She was only 58. Here’s hoping that things Covid related improve by the end of August. In the meantime keep doing things that make you feel good and enjoy being bold! xo
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It isn’t much fun at times lately Min but like you, I try to find the positives and being bold is now my go-to way to be! I’m sorry about your friend too, it’s never easy.
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I look forward to your roundup BOLD posts each month Deb and admire the way you have produced one for each month. I’m excited to be sharing your interview this coming week. Here’s to a BOLD August, and what I love most about you is that even though times can be tough you always have a smile and a positive outlook. You are my inspiration. #lifethisweek
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Thanks for all your support Sue, life is so much better when you have cheerleaders in it! I really enjoy reflecting this way at the end of each month and I’m trying to be honest! I hope my interview turns out well, thanks for including me again.
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Hi, Debbie – I love the Michele Ruiz quote. And your closing quote made me laugh out loud. Thank you so much for including it! 😀
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I’m so glad my final quote made you smile Donna 🙂
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You certainly are managing to embrace your OLW ‘Bold’ every month!
Sorry to hear that some of your trips have had to be put on hold, and hope that travel restrictions will be safely lifted over there as soon as possible.
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Thanks deb, it’s been a trying time in lots of ways. Hope things are going well with you over there!
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I love how you’ve managed to be BOLD in July. It’s been a trying month, that’s for sure. Yay for the first AZ been done and the second one on its way. Making a difference is so important, isn’t it? It’s one of my core values and I’ve realised I’ve been missing that in some parts of my current role and need to change a few things. Hope you have a lovely month ahead despite the anxiety and uncertainty around us.
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Thanks Sanch, it has been a trying month for so many of us and then add in a bit of cold winter weather and it all falls apart! Making a difference is something that is very important to me too. Wishing you a good month ahead, given all the things going on!
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It sounds like you had a great month and were BOLD as well. Lots of positivity in this post, Deb.
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Thanks Carla, life has its ups and downs and I’m slowly learning how to handle them. Making a conscious decision to be Bold is certainly helping me.
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So much boldness in one post – I love it! My July was a bit of a rollercoaster with highs and lows and a generous side of anxiety – it’s like constant white noise in the background. I am not a fan of uncertainty but making the most of lockdown and balancing sitting with the discomfort with finding reasons to be grateful for which I have many. Really looking forward to the bookshelf posts – bring it on!
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I know Sammie, considering it wasn’t my best month I didn’t do too badly at being bold! I get you about the white noise of anxiety and July was one of those months for me too. Can’t wait to have you join us for the bookshelf series. Thanks for your lovely comment!
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Well Deb what you have not done much of..it seems, is hanging around and waiting for life to change. You make the changes so life works better for you, despite the issues. Very BOLD indeed I say. I am sorry about no family visits, it truly is hard all round for all. Thank you for linking up this week for #LifeThisWeek. Glad you could join in. Hope to see you next Monday. Cheers, Denyse.
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You’re right Denyse, that’s true, I haven’t stood around and waited for things to change!
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I have been trying to keep up with the Australia news since I have some good friends who live in Australia. ❤️I admire you for continuing to be Bold, Deb, especially when challenges present themselves. I look forward to listening to the podcast. Extra heartwarming photo with Miss E. I have briefly heard about this exercise class. Good for you! And yes……..the “dash.” ❤️
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You’re really living bold, Deb – an example to all of us. Toni x
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Love your selfie, Deb – very chic get up and that smile! certainly will chase those wintry blues away!
Your #bold endeavours are heart-warming & inspiring. My favourite this month is your Marathon – that is definitely a novel way to be part of one!
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Sending hugs for the tough days, and applause for your awesome days – and thank you so much for such an inspiring and moving post. I am so glad you had fun with squares in July, and your bookshelf challenge for later this month sounds just fabulous.
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Always good to read your posts Debbie, looking forward to the book challenge as well.
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