Staying Upbeat

Dear Friends, Readers, Community, Here's a quote for the day that someone I've never met was kind enough to send me. Necessity is the mother of invention. In these challenging times get creative! Creativity and curiosity are great gifts to have, especially now. They help us stay upbeat. Friends have been sending me links to useful online sites. No point keeping them to myself, so here they are. For some relaxing yoga -- as good for the mind as the body -- check out this online session. If you're up for a free short course, you might like to have a look at the broad selection on offer at Future Learn, from screen writing to health and history. Feel free to contact me via the contact page on my website if you have ideas or comments. Photo and text copyright Michele Gierck
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Take your time to really listen to others

'Take your time to really hear others'< was a an article which appeared in Australian newspapers and led to ABC radio interviews around the country. The article was based on interviews Michele did in Australia and the US. The article seemed to hit home with quite a few people. If you have any memorable or interesting stories or experiences about listening that you'd like to share, feel free to send them to Michele via the contact page on her website. Enjoy Image and text © Michele Gierck
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A Fabulous Read - When Breath Becomes Air

This is such a stunning book: so insightful about the meaning and purpose of our lives, so beautifully written, and incredibly honest. Basically it's bloody fabulous (as we would say in Australian parlance). And so sad when the 37-year-old author, a neurosurgeon and scientist, dies. It's an absolute must-read, especially for anyone facing their own mortality, (that's all of us isn't it?) and for those who surround and love them. An inspiring story that will live on long after the last page is read. Long live the memory of Paul Kalanithi. Que Viva! After my latest book, Fraying: Mum, memory loss, the medical maze and me, was published, I was often asked to speak about end of life. Fraying was written from the perspective of a daughter, with no medical qualifications; a daughter struggling with the medical maze and the decisions to be made. When Breath Becomes Air is from a medical professional's perspective, one who becomes the patient. The questions Paul and his wife, Lucy Kalanithi, must face, and dare to ask, are confronting. But they are also, in essence, questions about what it means to be human, and at what point living becomes too much of a burden. This book is a precious gift to readers. Michele's website: www.michelegierck.com.au
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Fabulous Reader Feedback

SigningFraying It's great getting reader responses to Fraying. So many people whose parents have had dementia have written to me, and I find their stories so moving. Here's a few lines received this week. 'I purchased a copy of Fraying and I simply couldn't put it down. It was like I was reading my own life experiences with my mother... Thank you so much for writing this story for me too. It will remain a most treasured book on my bookshelf and shared with others.' All I can say is thank you, thank you to readers. The more we share our stories, the richer the community. Stories, after all, are our treasures. Michele Gierck Author/Freelance Writer/Speaker
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Advance Health Directives or Advance Care Plans

SunsetSilverPrincess2 Life is a series of cycles. And having your wishes respected when at your most vulnerable is important, particularly come the end of your life. Here's the link to an article I recently wrote about Advance Care Plans or Advance Health Directives. http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=41460#.U4mjbPmSyBI Making an Advance Care Plan, or Advance Health Directive, is not only a good idea for the person who makes it, but it's important for family members or friends (or whoever you appoint as your Medical Power of Attorney or Substitute Decision Maker) who may be called on to make critical decisions should you be in a state that renders you unable to express your own wishes. If you are thrust into the roll of carer, it's a good idea to make sure the person you are caring for, if over 18 years of age, has an Advance Care Plan or Advance Health Directive, as they are known in Australia, in place. To find out what inspires Michele check out her other blog: www.michelemuses.wordpress.com Text and image: copyright Michele Gierck Photo: Eucalyptus Silver Princess just prior to sunset
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