What’s the right balance?
It’s hard to find the right balance sometimes isn’t it?
You want to support others; you feel heartbroken and want to help; you don’t want to be seen as frivolous and carry on your day as if nothing is happening; you feel worried about sharing something on social media that could be construed as not caring…so you do nothing.
You close up shop and just watch as things unfold around the world.
Or not.
I mentioned in my post on Sunday about feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, guilt and being out of control and these feelings still sit with me. My sister also wrote about these in her post for her birthday yesterday – Total Control
But I also want to continue living. I have a lot of living still to do!
I have made monetary donations to NSW flood victims and those suffering in the Ukraine via Rotary, as I know I am fortunate to be living in an area currently not impacted by either of these situations. I am in a privileged position I know that.
I’m also reminded that I’m known for my smile and although I get down, sad, overwhelmed and anxious from time to time, I usually manage to pick myself up after a few days.

Some might need a lift, a smile, to see a happy face, a rainbow or just something different from their usual outlook. Not to be inspired necessarily but to know they are being thought of and help is being sent in various ways.
So I have decided to continue my Wake up and be Amazing Wednesday posts for the simple fact that I need to be useful and helpful in my own way, and we all need a break from the intense news cycles at the moment.
International Women’s Day
So many positive posts going around for IWD2022!
I shared an older post which I enjoyed re-reading after all the years in between with so much happening!
I loved reading Sue’s post about #breakingthebias yesterday and have linked to it here in case you missed it. Denyse also wrote a lovely post full of Gratitude.
This quote says it beautifully:
A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, but a woman of strength knows that it is in the journey where she will become strong.
Luke Easter
Here are some photos taken from my verandah yesterday. I saw the light changing outside and rushed for my camera knowing it could be quite a magical outlook.

And was I right?
I knew the golden light would be playing on the hills, I’ve lived here a long time and know the signs, but what I didn’t expect to see was the somewhat fractured rainbow!

Sometimes it’s the little things isn’t it?
Changes to Wordless Wednesday
I have been doing Wordless Wednesday posts (or attempting to do them) for quite some time now and at one stage even changed the name to Worth a Word Wednesday, on the suggestion from Suz, my NZ blogging friend.
But for this year I’ve decided to change it up a bit, post only when I have something to say on a Wednesday and use the Wake up and be Amazing, it’s Wednesday as inspiration.
You see I like words too much, and yes I know a photo can tell a story but sometimes I want to add words, lots of words, so it moves away from being Wordless Wednesday. I’ll still use the hashtag and tags in my posts just so I keep track of all the posts I write in that category but I’ll try to feature more amazing news!

Wishing you well, whatever is going on in your world 🙂
You’re amazing – and don’t you forget it!
Deb 🙂
All my Wordless Wednesday posts can be found by clicking this link
Recent posts:
- Cherry-ish the little things #WOYP
- Be a Seeker of Light #SundayStills
- Exploring my Options #WBOYC
- Is ‘Holiday Reading’ a thing? #WOYBS
- Tell Us About…Time
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
I’m glad you’re continuing to post, even in these days when it is hard to feel positive. But that’s our posts do the most good, I believe: to us, for taking the time to write them, and to others, who might just need to read them. We do what we can to help, and part of that is continuing with our lives. I am glad, though, to see so many funds being set up to help the people of the Ukraine!
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Thanks so much Ann. I agree we write for ourselves and our words can often touch others in ways we didn’t anticipate.
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Your being sad or anxious won’t help others. Action, donations, and awareness will. I think bringing smiles to others is a gift we should give freely.
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Thanks Janis, for your wise words and understanding. I agree with action, donations and awareness will help. Smiles to you 🙂
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Hi, Debbie – I’m so glad that you will continue your ‘Wake Up and Be Amazing’ posts. They always bring a smile to my face. You are so right — it is the little things that count and we are all in desperate need to smile.
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Hi Donna, the little things can be so important. Sending smiles to you 🙂
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I feel the same sense of helplessness about all the catastrophes happening in the world around us Deb (it’s like the last few years have been some sort of early Armageddon). And, like you, I’m choosing to focus on the moment, the bright little joys, the rainbows, and feeling immense gratitude for the fact that somehow or other I’ve been spared from so much of the horrible stuff that others are dealing with. Keep smiling – the world needs as much positivity as possible these days xx
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Thanks Leanne, your words have helped in so many ways. xx
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I am also so glad you are contenting these posts – a lovely bit of positivity in these unprecedented times.
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Yes I agree, we need to see the brightness!
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You’ve captured exactly how we’re all feeling. It’s the utter helplessness that is the worse thing. Apart from donating financially and giving medical supplies to the many vans leaving for Ukraine, there’s nothing we can do. But we do need to have a normal life and be hopeful and optimistic. Thanks for linking
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Thanks Gail, even though we are on opposite sides of the world, we all seem to be on a similar wavelength.
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That is so true, it’s hard to balance our concern and sympathy for others overseas with the need for us to continue our lives as best we can. The only way we can offer help is financially at the moment and thankfully there are many organisations that we can donate to to show our support.
Those photos are absolutely beautiful, what a lovely view.
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Thanks Deb, my views from the verandah are often breathtaking and I don’t take them for granted!
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Oh my ….yes, do wake up…and then be amazing. But right now I get it is hard. It’s been overwhelming here too..so much with conflicting issues to health and care within our little family. I can’t say much but darn it, there are days (and nights) where life can be hard. So, I am doing this..seeing your lovely blog post with a shout out to me….and remembering to be grateful for all I have and know. This includes my dear friends from blogging of which you are ONE star for me! In fact, a gift….right? And won’t it be cool, when I am in the front row of seeing Trent, and you are at home with live stream on 2 April..and I will be tweeting a storm too. Denyse x
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Can’t wait to see you in the front row of Trent’s talk Denyse! I know you get it and really appreciate your kindness.
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Deb, thanks for the reminder that small gestures have power too. Your photos certainly made me smile today.
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Thanks Suzanne, I’m so glad my photos gave you a smile!
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This is exactly why I enjoy engaging with other bloggers. I think it IS a small distraction, not to set aside what’s going on around us, but a distraction and a chance to come back with a smile. It is about the little things, and your post today reminds us to step back for a moment.
This was the first post I read this morning. Sure a good way to start the day. Donna
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I enjoy the distraction of blogging too Donna and meeting others like you who help me see the world in a different way.
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🤗🥰
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That rainbow is beautiful and a helpful and necessary reminder that there IS still beauty in our world. I don’t believe the best response to the Ukraine crisis is to stop seeing or sharing that beauty – we need it more than ever!
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Thanks Sarah, it really brightened my day! Beauty is all around us and I agree with you, we need to see it now!
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I needed this post. I’ve been struggling on a micro and macro level and this gift of your words really helped. And one of the comments also helped see that there still needs to be joy and gratitude. So thanks!! And that rainbow!!!
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Hi Bernie, I’m so glad my post resonated with you. There is always beauty and we must look for it, although some days are harder than others. Hope all is settling down for you, take care xx
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Things are definitely not settling down. My 95-year-old triple vac’s mom has covid and is in lockdown. The isolation has become oppressive. And an unexpected death in the family means that everything still seems like it’s very much on a roller coaster. But I’m trying to focus on what I can control and adding hope into situations. Bernie
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Thinking of you, so much going on in your world, so take care x
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Hi Deb, you aren’t alone feeling ‘guilty’ when life is going well for you and yet it is a catastrophe for others here in Australia and around the world. My running friend and I were discussing this yesterday. I do think it is important though to feel happy when life is going well for you. We all have our share of good times and bad and for our own mental well-being and quality of life we need to celebrate when good things happen, yet be supportive of those who are going through bad times. It is a balance but I think you Wake and Be Amazing is just what we need to remind us to focus on and appreciate the good in our lives. x
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Thanks Sue, I know you understand! It’s all about balance and I’m more than happy to continue sharing some positivity!
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Wonderful rainbow picture! I too am feeling anxious and guilty for daily living in a very privileged & safe space. I’m glad you addressed this head on.
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Thanks Pat, glad you could understand where I was coming from. All is good now!
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I loved this post Deb. I like words too much too! Lol!
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Thanks Kirstin 🙂 words make the world go round!
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🔆🙏☕️💐
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