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Letter of the month

letters from our readers

It is awesome to celebrate the achievements of the powerful women in this world (The Power List, November issue). I would also like to celebrate the countless women who achieve everyday miracles but will never feature in a magazine. The mothers who have weeks of sleepless nights, yet still get up with a smile on their faces to cook and clean for the rest of the family. Those who clean up the mess when children are sick. Those who spend their whole lives delighting in a disabled child who may never walk, let alone get a medal on sports day, or children who will never be able to say thank you. I celebrate those who care for the frail, the elderly and the terminally ill, not for a salary but out of simple love and compassion for others. I am in awe of all the women who get out of bed each morning and do what needs to be done – the thousands of unnamed women who keep our world together. Kathryn

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

I totally agree with Professor Kerryn Phelps that nature is therapy for us. Not just being in the fresh air and sunshine (as long as we don’t overdo it and get sunburnt) but also the fresh fruit and veges that help us keep healthy and energised. Let’s get with nature’s plan and, even though we live busy lives, have lunch outside in the sunshine; take five minutes to tend to some potted veges; take the kids to the beach to pick up rubbish, swim and fish. Leave the car at home if you can walk to the local shops. Create a community garden and involve the kids. Everyone benefits, socially and physically, by helping weed and water. And, who knows, maybe we can make the world a better place when one little thing we do amounts to so much more. Thank you, Dr Phelps, I’ll take a prescription for spending time outdoors, eating an apple a day and taking time to smell the roses. Debbie Snell

THE RIGHT DECISION

I’ve just read the encouraging, enlightening interview with therapist Stephanie Dowse (November). Over the past seven years I have wondered if I did the right thing leaving my husband at my time of life (55), as we had endured so much together. This article reinforced to me that I most definitely did. After 35 years of the silent treatment I seriously needed to get away from the manipulative, anxiety-inducing behaviour. “Love is the little things that make you think this person cares about me” are the truest words ever. Relationships can endure a great deal of stress and grief as long as you BOTH remember the little things. Name withheld