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Welcome to my blog, where I share stories, writing tips, inspiration, research, and whatever else sparks joy. Here, you'll find a little bit of everything from behind-the-scenes of my writing life to creative resources and random musings.

A thought today: What does freedom mean to you in your everyday choices?


Lately, I’ve been reflecting on freedom as I’ve realised it’s one of my core values.


  • Freedom to choose who I am.

  • Freedom to decide how I spend my time.

  • Freedom to set my own life goals.

  • Freedom even to shape my career.

  • Freedom to write.


This is a big one!


Not everyone has these freedoms, and I am deeply grateful to live a life where these choices are available to me.


I know many people don't have a supportive writing community or even the encouragement of their loved ones. Some write in secret, too nervous or afraid to share their dreams. For years, online communities have become sanctuaries for writers who feel isolated in their dreams.


But when you start to view freedom this way, it becomes clear that it isn’t always about big, life-changing decisions. Often, freedom is found in the small, everyday choices we make.


  • The freedom to decide what’s for dinner.

  • The freedom to choose when to go to bed.

  • When to wake up and write.

  • Or even when to write before heading off to bed!

  • The freedom to even gain the education and tools needed to write.


When I think about it this way, I feel so fortunate.


These little moments might seem insignificant, but they’re meaningful.


And they add up.


I used to think freedom was this grand, sweeping concept—doing whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, without having to answer to anyone else. (Typical childhood thoughts, right?) But as I’ve grown up, I’ve realised how unrealistic (and overwhelming) that notion is.


True freedom, I think, lies in recognising and appreciating the small choices that shape our days.


So, I’ll ask again:


What does freedom mean to you in your everyday life?


As we near the end of the year, let’s remember to take care of ourselves, cherish our routines, and celebrate the freedoms we have, however small they may seem.



Honeycakes: Counting All My Blessings by Medea Kalantar: book review by Serren Kassa


Counting All My Blessings by Medea Kalantar is a cute book, and I loved the message it shares with the children about how to use gratitude to beat the 'green-eyed monster'. I was happy to hear from Medea and to be given the opportunity to write a book review to spread the message of this lovely educational kids book. See below!


Honeycakes: Counting All My Blessings by Medea Kalantar: book review by Serren Kassa of an educational kids book about gratitude

Book Review

When little Nala starts to feel nervous and 'icky' when her new baby brother is born, her grandma tells her she's feeling envious, and how Nala can learn to use gratitude.


Funnily enough, when I was a little girl, I also had the same experience when my little sister was born, and I ran out of the hospital as soon as I met her. My papa had to run to catch me so I didn't get lost! So, I chuckled at the similarities and knew other children would benefit from Medea's book. It's hard to know how to deal with these feelings (even as adults!), and we know we don't like how being jealous feels, so the examples Grandma gives Nala are perfect to model to children how to do it.


Starting young with gratitude? I love it. I think it will really help children feel happier and healthier mentally. And learning how to deal healthily with jealousy will lead children through a happier life.


Great job, Medea! One of my new gratitude points is that I feel thankful you gave me this opportunity to read and review your book, and I think it would be a great educational kids book for any school. This is a great resource for children's development and learning, AND a cute story for any bookshelf!







This review is also available on Goodreads. Want to connect on Goodreads or check out other book reviews of Medea's great kids' book?


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