A wonderful space for inspiration, nourishment for the soul, and plenty of laughter.

I’m thrilled to share that our community has welcomed nearly a hundred new followers in recent months! We are expanding and touching more hearts! Thank you for your contributions and unwavering support!

How's your day going? What's new in your life? As always, I’m here to offer some virtual affection, perhaps with a warm cup of cinnamon tea and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies?

Please share in the comments if you could use some comforting hugs or if you have something joyful to celebrate. We're here for one another, but we need to know when you seek support!

I'll keep today’s message brief as I’m eager to hear your thoughts and see your submissions on this topic.

Recently, I had a meaningful discussion with TzeLin Sam regarding our shared experiences at HHH, and I hope she won’t mind me sharing her sentiments! In a comment, she expressed that HHH feels like home, providing her a space to share personal stories. Her words moved me deeply for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s beautiful to see someone open up, as it breaks down the barriers that often keep us apart. This connection allows us to truly understand and support one another.

I was also delighted that she feels HHH is a safe environment for deeper sharing, allowing her to express her heartfelt experiences and wonderful sense of humour.

Furthermore, I’ve been receiving increasing feedback about the community spirit here at HHH, which aligns perfectly with my vision for this space since its inception. This wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing contributions of our talented writers and the kind readers who appreciate their work.

It warms my heart to see others feeling a sense of “community” or “home” when they come to HHH. After enduring several tough years marked by isolation and health challenges, I cannot express how grateful I am to spend time with all of you.

Medium, as a whole, has fostered a wonderful sense of connection, allowing me to form valuable friendships, some of which extend beyond the platform. However, there’s an unmistakable warmth and tangible connection I feel when I write a newsletter or engage with your wonderful submissions.

Is it just me, or does HHH seem like a unique space on Medium—a cozy room where we gather to share stories of hope, healing, and humour?

For me, it feels like stepping through a door into a comfortable sitting room by the fireplace, where the only sound is the gentle ticking of the clock. It’s serene here, apart from the soft murmurs of conversation among friends, as if you’re all sharing a cup of tea or wine in this inviting space.

There’s another significant reason I cherish our Pub Family so much. Due to various circumstances, my family is fractured. Most of my children don’t communicate with one another, and I’m only in touch with one, my wonderful daughter Willow, who lives quite far away. I refuse to maintain unhealthy relationships, even if it means limited contact with my children and grandchildren, especially since my youngest grandchildren are now teenagers.

Despite the chaos I’ve experienced in my life, I’ve dedicated years to healing and mending the past. After much family therapy, the responsibility for their choices now lies with them, and I’m no longer their scapegoat.

With the passing of my parents and brother, I find myself standing alone in my family line.

I’m thankful for the “family” I’ve formed with friends over the years, even though we are scattered around the globe.

Thus, our Pub Family and the “home” we are building together means more to me than I can articulate. I am immensely grateful to the HHH writers and supporters for providing me with a sense of belonging that I’ve long missed. It is a precious gift I cherish daily.

The Invitation: I warmly invite your submissions regarding your thoughts on the reflections shared. What does HHH symbolize for you? What do “home” and “family” mean to you?

I recognize these terms can carry heavy meanings, as they do for me, and I understand that acknowledging our pain is the first step toward healing and creating a better reality.

Perhaps you would like to share your experiences about setting boundaries with those who do not treat you with respect, especially in complex familial situations like mine. Over the years, I have heard many express that they “couldn’t” sever ties with toxic family members or those who bring negativity.

I understand how challenging this can be, and I know there’s a distinction between “I can’t” and “I won’t.” While you may feel trapped, remember that you always have a choice about who you allow into your life. How do you navigate relationships that bring more stress than joy?