Julie Smerdon

Julie Smerdon Writer & pro-ageing advocate. Exploring vibrant living and growing older with power & grace. Creator of the Vibrant Woman™ app & The Vibrant Pathway™.

Reimagining the story of ageing with humour, heart & hard-won wisdom. Substack: Playing the Long Game

Some days don’t want rescue,
They want to be felt and witnessed.I wrote about one of those days this week.
About choosin...
15/01/2026

Some days don’t want rescue,
They want to be felt and witnessed.

I wrote about one of those days this week.
About choosing not to fix the ache, not to rush the grief, not to distract myself out of the truth of the moment.

There was a strange sweetness in staying with it.

The full piece is on Substack.
The link is in my bio

09/01/2026

There's still a few spots left for Mexico. March 14-20, 2026.

Oceanfront yoga in Puerto Vallarta. Private chef, small group, private villa. Whales migrating past while you practice.

$2,350 all-inclusive.

If you've been thinking about it, now's the time! DM me for more info.

I had the privilege and pleasure of working with during my time with Cricket Australia. I’m no cricket tragic, and I st...
03/01/2026

I had the privilege and pleasure of working with during my time with Cricket Australia. I’m no cricket tragic, and I still don’t totally get how they keep score, 🤔 but I did learn about the game and its players. In every interaction I had with him, Usman was the consummate gentleman.

This photo is from one of our classes, and it’s a perfect example of how he always showed up. Focused, open, and fully present.

As I’ve watched him become a national hero, I’ve been continually impressed by his commitment to his faith, his willingness to speak out against racism, and the way he has always held his family at the centre of it all.

Wishing you the dream finish today, Usman. May your final innings be a century and then some. Congratulations to you and your beautiful family, can’t wait to see what comes next!

This first morning of 2026 began the way most of my mornings do. Bare feet, coffee in this gorgeous cup from my friend ,...
01/01/2026

This first morning of 2026 began the way most of my mornings do. Bare feet, coffee in this gorgeous cup from my friend , and a shortbread. Then a conversation with myself about what's possible for this day. The dogs aren't circling my feet this week because we're away and they're enjoying a holiday with and her gorgeous family.

I read a beautiful post from my friend this morning that reminded me how much I love this morning ritual. It also made me smile, because one of my 12 Days of Presence reflections this year was called Your Morning, Your Rules. My days this year have been a bit wild around the edges, but mornings are the place I steady myself before jumping into it all.

I've been away at the beach with Layne this past week for the first time since before the pandemic. We've been resting, swimming, laughing, staying off socials, and enjoying being together. Tim and his family joined us for a couple of days before they head to Tassie to start their new adventure. I'm heading home today feeling restored in the way that only time away and fully unplugging can bring.

I'm old enough to know that I can't predict what 2026 will bring, but I'm grateful for this wild ride, and the precious people who walk with me on the journey.

May this year surprise you in all the best ways.

23/12/2025

Whatever you’re celebrating, especially as a woman, I can almost guarantee that you’ve done more than enough.

This little note sits at the bottom of my screen every day. It was sent by my friend , who snail mails love notes to her subscribers. I’m one of those people. Maybe you are too.

So How much IS enough?

Enough time. Enough money. Enough effort. Enough YOU?
The noise out there tells you to do more, be more, give more.�But it’s okay to let the windows be dirty, and let your guests enjoy themselves.�

You are enough.�
You have enough.�
You’ve done enough.

Wishing you a wonderful rest-of-December with love, joy, and enough.

22/12/2025

I check my phone in bed 😮
I drink coffee.
I eat shortbread.

I DON’T jump around to stimulate my lymph system..
I DON’T journal by candlelight before dawn.
I DON’T drink liquified kale.
There’s nothing wrong with those things; they’re just not for me.

Yet somehow… I’m still alive. And reasonably fit, thank you very much. 😉

My mornings start slow, with dogs, fresh air, and a bit of Spanish. It’s the same every day, and I love it.

I don’t care what the wellness world says.
Your morning doesn’t need to impress the internet, it just needs to work for you.

☀️ Your morning. Your rules. What does your ideal morning look like?

21/12/2025

Scrolled myself into an existential crisis.
Closed the laptop.
Touched grass.
Chose peace.

Remember when phones had cords and conversations had patience?
I do, and I’m bringing it back.

My motto for 2026: RECLAIM YOUR BRAIN! 🧠

20/12/2025

I grew up with white Christmases. Now it's beach days and prawns on the barbie.

I love both.

The traditions that anchored you in one season might not fit the next. And that's okay.

What matters is holding onto what those traditions gave you, and finding new ways to create that in the life you're actually living now.

19/12/2025

Someone’s going to be disappointed this month...

December has a sneaky way of pulling us toward the shiny and away from the sacred. It flatters us with invitations and expectations, and too often, it’s the people closest to us who get what’s left over.

You can't say yes to everything.
You don’t need to be everywhere.

Who gets your 'yes' this month? This year let's choose presence where it means the most.

18/12/2025

It’s December.

Two people.
Two infinite lists.
Too many end-of-year emails, RSVPs, shopping bags, and “quick favours.”

No wonder the car park meltdowns start early.

A little honesty. A little flexibility. Maybe a safe word (watch to learn ours).
You don’t need a Hallmark moment. Just something that reminds you you’re on the same team.

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