See You Next Year!

Posted on by Victoria

The time has come…to say goodbye from the Heart of the Matter team as we draw the curtain on 2024. What a year it’s been! Most of all…

Thank you for your readership and friendship!

Since its inception in 2023, Heart of the Matter has maintained its focus on heartfelt storytelling and content intended to inspire. The abundant interaction with readers warms our hearts. Thank you for reading, listening and commenting as valued members of our community.

Many thanks to our founding partner in the Heart of the Matter – Brian Hannon – and our talented contributors Alegria and Mark Petruska.

And of course, we’re grateful to our podcast guests. Thank you for sharing yourselves with us. Believe it or not, in January we’ll celebrate a massive milestone with our 100th podcast episode. But before we get to #100? We’ll visit with our friend and returning podcast guest Beth in a fabulous chat entitled, “Soup’s On” – Episode #98 – on Friday, January 10 and visit with the always inspiring returning guest, Pete Springer in Episode #99 – entitled, “Giving the Gift of Yourself” on Friday, January 17. So good! 😊

Looking Ahead to 2025:

Wynne and I are thrilled to announce an expansion in our workshop offerings, thanks to the collaboration once again with the Chicago Writers Association. Here’s a preview of the 2025 line-up:

“Writing for Wellness” by Dr. Vicki Atkinson (NEW!)
Join author and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Dr. Vicki Atkinson to learn how to unlock your storyteller’s heart and enhance your self-care game at the same time. Learn about Dr. Atkinson’s techniques for improving life satisfaction and relationships and reducing stress – all through developing your voice as a writer. Includes handouts, resources and Q&A.

“Navigating Elder Care with Grace and Humor” by Dr. Vicki Atkinson
Join the author of “Surviving Sue” to learn how to navigate the challenges of elder care. Dr. Atkinson’s experience in caring for her mother who suffered from Alzheimer’s, alcoholism, and anxiety taught her lessons about forging ahead with humor. Dr. Atkinson shares tips for caregiver wellness. Includes handouts, resources, and Q&A.

“How To Create a Writing Platform” by Dr. Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon (NEW!)
Establish your on-line writing presence with actionable steps to build your writing identity. Authors Atkinson and Leon have interviewed dozens of writers/authors/bloggers and know the terrain. They’ll help participants unlock the keys to build a writer’s life while juggling other roles. With clear how-to’s about getting started, promotion ideas on social media, and encouragement, this session will help you begin your writing journey with confidence. Includes handouts, resources and Q&A. (Virtual only)

“AI and for Caregivers: Taking Advantage of a Virtual Assistant” by Dr. Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon (NEW!)
Learn how generative AI can ease the heavy load for caregivers. Authors Atkinson and Leon will inspire you to think creatively about the use of virtual assistants. From building a budget, creating notifications, managing schedules and more, AI can relieve caregivers of burdensome tasks. Even better? We’ll show you how AI can open doors to creative pursuits – like capturing family history and precious stories. Includes handouts, resources and Q&A. (Virtual only)

For more information about these offerings, email us at sharingtheheartofthematter@gmail.com 

Happy Holidays to all!

Vicki and Wynne 😊

Subscribe to the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for videos of each episode: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Instagram? @the.heartofthe.matter

LinkedIn? Follow us there: Sharing the Heart Of the Matter: Overview | LinkedIn

44 thoughts on “See You Next Year!”

  2. Wynne and Vicki, congrats and thank you for a stellar year of HOTM posts and podcasts. I was also honored to have been a guest and to meet you both “in person” this past year. You spread so much joy to the world.

    Your 2025 plans sounds great and that workshop lineup looks intriguing, including the AI assistant one.

    Hope you both get some well deserved rest over the holidays!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  10. You guys rock. These classes sound amazing. I’m so impressed with Wynne and your breath of knowledge and caring. I find anymore that I’m barraged with sales pitchy items. The funny thing is that those sales pitches rarely live up to their billing. Where what you have listed above is amazing and will be cherished by anyone who attends. Very coool Vicki. Congrats and I can’t wait to hear more about them. Looking forward to an amazing 2025!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Brian, for being such a terrific partner. We’re plugging along — so grateful you’re on board. Tolerating all of our silly stuff and still seeing the good. How do you do that?! Big smiles to you for all that you do for us. Here’s to more fun in 2025! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      2. You’re hilarious. We’ll need to peel back the curtain a little more so folks can see what really goes on behind the scenes, how much you do to help us hold the hold shebang together. Wynne and I….are a lot! Thanks for being you, PARTNER! 🥰🥰🥰

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Ah…putting smiles on faces. You get us, don’t you? We try, we try…and we’re so grateful to you, Michelle for being a fabulous friend AND terrific podcast guest. You know what we say…”until next time”. All the best to you as you continue to launch your new ventures, too! xo! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. I’m very happy to be a part of this! In fact, I might ask to expand my role in 2025. I would be happy to blog here more often (if you’d have me, of course – I don’t want to assume anything!).

    Hope you both have a wonderful and relaxing holiday season!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  17. Thanks to you guys for putting so much positivity out into the world, with your podcast episodes and blog posts and more. A big congratulations for all your work in 2024, and I’m looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with in the new year! 🌞

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

Leave a comment