The Journey Begins

Upon retiring from teaching, I decided to pursue my passion for writing. However, the question loomed: What topics should I cover? Over the years, I dabbled in various subjects: writing techniques, poetry, political commentary, anecdotes about my dog, and travel narratives. My readers likely felt as if they were on a rollercoaster, never quite knowing what to expect with each new post.

Through introspection, I sought to identify the threads that connected my diverse topics. Ultimately, I found that the essence of my writing revolved around love, kindness, compassion, joy, and self-awareness — in short, the essence of humanity.

> “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn life around.” — Leo Buscaglia

Buscaglia dedicated his life to inspiring others to recognize their potential and the impact they can have on the world. Inspired by his teachings, I decided to focus my Substack newsletter on sharing personal narratives that celebrate the art of being human.

Reflecting on My First Month

In August, I jumped headfirst into writing, producing a post every single day. I read other authors, exchanged insights, and forged connections, resulting in a total of 31 articles throughout the month. My posts covered themes such as:

• Embracing flaws and finding humor in life's challenges
• The importance of preserving memories through letters
• Recognizing love in unexpected places
• Finding beauty in aging
• Making time for self-improvement
• And many more uplifting ideas!

September Outlook: A Month of Positivity

As we look forward to September, I invite you to join the Alphabet Challenge. It's quite simple: subscribe to Brenda's Newsletter for free, and each morning, you’ll receive a story that emphasizes the essence of being human, focusing on a different word each day.

The journey will include words like:

• Appreciate
• Breathe
• Celebrate
• Discover
• Enjoy
• Feel
• Give
• And many more!

We all desire to feel happier and more fulfilled, yet self-improvement often feels daunting. Why not take the Alphabet Challenge? It requires only 3–5 minutes of your day, typically while you enjoy your morning beverage.

Every morning, Brenda's Newsletter will deliver a dose of positivity, aiming to inspire and foster an optimistic mindset. Subscribe for free to receive it at 8 am!