Hope's Journal 2026

[Hope67]

Hi HannahOne - I'm glad you also bought some flowers for yourself - I hope they are still blooming.  Thanks for sharing that you've also been clearing out and cleaning out stuff and how it's brought up things for you as well.   

Hi Zen_racer - I've got a paper shredder, so it's a literal shredding of papers - it's a liberating feeling for me though!  I'm glad you felt good getting rid of things in the dumpster.  Thanks also for what you said about enjoying my retirement - I've not really felt able to describe it as a 'retirement' till recently - I think I have felt guilt because it's been an 'early' one.  But now that I'm older, I'm beginning to feel better about it!!!   

Hi SanMagic - Thank you!  I am thrilled that I'm reading a fiction book - interesting that you mentioned Maeve Binchy - I've heard she writes very homely and nice books, so I might have a look.  Thank you.  Regarding my sister - thank goodness I've NOT acted on those thoughts to make contact - I know it wouldn't have gone well.  I really appreciated you mentioning about red flags, thank you!!!  Very wise also to mention not overdoing the letting go of stuff - I want to do more, but I'm leaving it for a few days, to let things settle - it was very challenging emotionally last week.  My parts were very agitated and some of them very upset.  It took a while to settle - but I am feeling more regulated today.     to you SanMagic.

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8th June 2026
I was very emotional for a few days last week - my parts were affected by various things that I'd done last week - I understand that, and I am glad that they are settling back to feeling more 'held' and calmer again.  I'm intending to leave it a few days before I do any more sorting out.  I also did NOT contact any FOO - I am SOOOO relieved that I didin't act on those thoughts.  Phew!

[sanmagic7]

me, too, hope - relieved you didn't act on those thoughts.  i've had several instances like that over the years, of wanting to reach out to someone w/ whom i've distanced myself.  most of the time i've been able to get past those, and the few times i didn't were not good, to say the least.  every one, tho, was another lesson in why it's good NOT to try to get in touch again.  so, kudos to you for staying strong.

yes, maeve binchy wrote several books that were just gentle but full of humanity and i always wanted to find out what happens w/ the characters.  not usually my kind of books, but i thoroughly enjoyed every single one.  i hope if you decide on her that you enjoy it as well.  love and hugs

[Hope67]

Thanks SanMagic 

[HannahOne]

Hooray for not contacting FOO if you think it's not the right choice for you!!!     
When you have the self-awareness and clarity and strength to act on what you think is best for yourself in that moment, it's always a reason to celebrate and honor yourself.