Reflections in the Mirror – with Gillian Routledge

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of The Golden Threads Podcast, host Sue Williams speaks with contributor Gillian Routledge, who shares the story behind her deeply personal chapter Reflections in the Mirror. With honesty and gentle wisdom, Gillian reflects on how the challenges within her marriage became a mirror - revealing old patterns, buried truths and the opportunity to heal.

At the heart of this conversation is the realisation that our relationships often reflect who we are back to ourselves. Through this lens, Gillian shares how self-awareness, compassion and personal growth helped her shift out of reactive patterns and into a more conscious and loving way of being. She shares a powerful poem from her chapter, offering listeners a moving and thought-provoking look into how transformation begins with reflection.

From lived experience to professional calling, Gillian now guides others on their own path of healing as a relationship coach and creator of the Awaken to Love method.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How unconscious patterns can shape the way we relate to loved ones
• Why moments of friction in relationships are often invitations to grow
• How poetry became a mirror and a healing tool for Gillian
• The emotional turning points that led to her personal transformation
• Why reflection, self-responsibility and awareness are keys to deeper connection
• How Gillian now supports others through her Awaken to Love coaching approach.
• 
  

"The person in front of you is often your greatest teacher — and your clearest mirror."

If this episode gave you a moment of reflection…

Subscribe to The Golden Threads Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who is seeking more connection, compassion, and consciousness in their relationships.

Want to read Gillian’s full chapter?

Order your copy of Golden Threads: Women’s Shared Wisdom from the Tapestry of Life at goldenthreadsbook.co.uk

#goldenthreads #womenofwisdom #relationships

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Sophia’s Golden Light: Donna Roberts on Healing, Ceremony & Spiritual Wisdom

Episode Summary:

In this deeply reflective episode of Golden Threads, collaborative author Donna Roberts shares the personal journey that inspired her chapter, The Golden Light - Sophia’s Journey. From a childhood in which she experienced sensitivity to unseen energies, to a transformative experience with shamans in the Amazon rainforest, Donna’s path has been one of healing, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening.

A single parent and long-time civil servant, Donna’s story weaves together practical resilience with profound inner exploration. Through vivid storytelling, she invites listeners to journey with Sophia - a symbolic figure in her chapter - offering a gateway into our own imagination, interconnectedness, and deeper truths.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Donna’s heightened sensitivity to energy as a child shaped her perception of the world
• The variety of roles she has embraced - from checkout operator to Employment Coach and holistic therapist
• What led her to the Amazon Rainforest in December 2012 and the profound ceremonies she took part in with the Shipibo Shamans
• How her chapter was “birthed” and what it means to tell a story through symbolism, energy, and presence
• Why Sophia’s journey acts as a mirror for your own inner wisdom
• The importance of embracing synchronicity, imagination, and interconnectedness in your own healing
• How Donna sees life as a continual unfolding of spiritual teachings, always available to those who choose to listen

Donna invites you to listen with an open heart - and to enjoy the richness of your own journey.

Donna and her son collaborated to create a Mindfulness Meditation Colouring Book - Art Peace

She also offers Energy Healing Sessions on request - (Inner - Sense). Find out more about Donna at: www.goldenthreadsbook.co.uk

#goldenthreads #womenofwisdom #inner-sense #artpeace #energyhealing

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Episode summary:

In this episode of The Golden Threads Podcast Sue Williams speaks with Health & Wellness Coach Carole Donnelly, as she talks about becoming a very reluctant gardener to overcome burnout. She explores how we can nurture and look after ourselves better with a little bit of gardening and painting, and taking the time to really smell the roses. Carole takes us on a journey, focusing on why she wrote her chapter “The Reluctant Gardener” from the book Golden Threads.

Carole explains the backdrop to burn out - why she thought it was her job to save a City, to be there for numerous social entrepreneurs and support a taskforce, alongside a full-time job at the local university and running a community business. Busy doing things for others, Carole forgot about her own wellbeing. Eventually her body gave up on her and she was well and truly burnt out. She explains how simple tasks became too much for her - she couldn't even make a cup of tea at one stage. She wasn't sleeping well - on average 3 maybe 4 hours per night, if she was lucky. She recalls drinking too much wine, eating sugary snacks or ultra processed foods and how her body was broken. She wasn’t depressed; she was exhausted.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

· What burn out is, and how to recognise it earlier

· Why some of us have a habit of doing too much

· What you can do for yourself to avoid burning out

· How good nutrition, good sleeping habits, connection and exercise is the key to ageing well

· Why a Health Coach could help you overcome or avoid burn out

· How we can make more informed and better choices to age well

· The simple steps and benefits of working with a Health Coach or your GP

· The benefits of journaling, including 3 key questions. .Focusing on love, gratitude, her love of sparkly gel pens and a beautiful book to write in.

· How we can enjoy life more and valuing the simple things.

Carole says, “She may always be a reluctant gardener, but she will never again be a reluctant participant in her self-care and wellbeing.”

To discover more and how you can work with Carole at Golden Years Coaching or find out more about her wellbeing programmes for the over 50's visit www.gyc.org.uk

#goldenthreads #wisdom #burn out #self-care

Connect with Golden Threads authors at: www.goldenthreadsbook.co.uk

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The Call to Adventure: Bally Binning on Purpose, Identity and Reclaiming Joy

Episode Summary:

In this uplifting and energising episode of The Golden Threads Podcast, co-hosts Sue Williams and LizaMarie Wilson speak with Bally Binning, author of the chapter Wisdom Woven Through Adventure from Golden Threads - Women's Shared Wisdom from the Tapestry of Life. Bally shares her inspiring story of moving beyond the expectations that once confined her to create a life rich with colour, freedom, and personal growth.

Whether you're feeling stuck, uninspired, or unsure where to begin, Bally offers empowering, actionable wisdom for reigniting your spark, reconnecting with your purpose, and stepping boldly into a more adventurous version of yourself.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• 01:52 - The Call to Adventure: Why so many of us lose our sense of play and possibility - and how to reclaim it at any age
• 02:45 - How to Find Your Spark: Identify what truly makes you smile, create a “bucket list” just for you, and start living with intention
• 04:49 - Breaking Free from Blind Spots and Expectations: Hear how Bally navigated cultural pressures and forged her own path with courage
• 07:15 - The Power of a New Identity: Learn how personal transformation begins by “trying on” a new version of yourself
• 10:40 - Future Pacing Your Life: Tap into a powerful coaching tool that brings clarity and urgency to your personal goals

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that life is an adventure waiting to happen. It's never too late to change direction, seek new experiences, and honour your inner calling.

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Celebrating Women's Wisdom: Sue Williams on Storytelling, Legacy and Creative Power

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of The Golden Threads Podcast, contributing author Paramjit Oberoi turns the mic on series creator and author Sue Williams. They explore what led Sue to bring together women from all walks of life in four anthology books. Together, they reveal what led women to share their wisdom through the Golden Threads anthology - and what it really means to celebrate your story, creativity, and legacy in midlife and beyond.

“Believe in your dreams, your legacy, your power.” – Sue Williams' Believe poem

Facing life changes often prompts women in midlife to ask two life-shaping questions: “Who am I?” and “What do I want?” In this heartfelt conversation, Sue and Paramjit discuss the power of women’s stories, the importance of self-expression, and why showcasing each others journeys and experiences matters.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• 1:39 - How personal loss and early retirement led Sue to connect with entrepreneurial women - and why their untold stories moved her to action
• 3:56 - The two questions that shape midlife transformation: Who am I? and What do I want?
• 4:30 - Morning Pages and unlocking creativity with Julia Cameron’s journaling practice
• 5:33 - Being uplifted by the energy of inspirational coach Natasha Black
• 6:06 - How the poem Believe! sparked a movement, a book series, and the Believe Oracle Card Deck
• 8:28 - The importance of showcasing and celebrating women’s voices
• 11:25 - How women can embrace the opportunities life offers - at any age
• 12:49 - A rallying cry to believe in your dreams, your legacy, and your power
• 14:14 - Taking time to celebrate our successes, big and small
• 14:35 - The question that invites alignment: “Is that true for me?”
• 15:40 - Creating legacy through anthology books, including a tribute to author Bernadette Whiteside (Believe You Can Live a Life You Love at 50+)
• 21:00 - How the Believe Oracle Cards extend the message from the book cover into daily life
• 21:40 - Why pocket books are powerful tools for sharing focused, impactful wisdom
• 24:00 - The value of capturing and sharing the hard-won wisdom of women aged 50+
• 26:31 - How writing for Golden Threads gave Paramjit a new lease of life
• 27:22 - Why recording an audiobook and podcast takes the authors’ stories into a new dimension

Loved this conversation? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a woman whose story deserves to be celebrated.

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The Golden Threads Podcast

Introducing authors and their stories from the collaborative book: Golden Threads: Women’s Shared Wisdom from the Tapestry of Life.

In each episode of The Golden Threads Podcast, you will step into a world of heartfelt stories, powerful insights, and timeless wisdom shared by women who have lived, loved, lost - and found themselves again. The Golden Threads podcast is a companion to the inspirational book: Golden Threads: Women’s Shared Wisdom from the Tapestry of Life. You can find more information about the book and contributing authors at: www.goldenthreadsbook.co.uk

In each episode, we will hear directly from the women behind the stories as they reflect on life-changing moments, personal transformations, and the golden threads that have guided them through it all. Hosted by Sue Williams, award-winning poet for her book: I Am Unique, author, and curator of women’s voices. This podcast invites you to pause, listen deeply, and discover your own threads of purpose, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re navigating change, craving inspiration, or simply curious about the wisdom life brings, you’ll find comfort, clarity, and community in these episodes.

Golden Threads – Own your story. Share your wisdom. Shine your light.

#wisdom #goldenthreads #inspiration #inspirationalwomen

https://goldenthreadsbook.co.uk/

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Golden Threads – Own your story. Share your wisdom. Shine your light.

Announcing The Golden Threads Podcast

The forthcoming podcast features interviews with contributing authors from the inspirational collaborative book: Golden Threads: Women’s Shared Wisdom from the Tapestry of Life. Here, we give you a taster of how you will step into a world of heartfelt stories, powerful insights, and timeless wisdom shared by women who have lived, loved, lost - and found themselves again.

In each episode, we hear directly from the women behind the stories as they reflect on life-changing moments, personal transformations, and the golden threads that have guided them through it all. Hosted by Sue Williams, award-winning poet, author, and curator of women’s voices, this podcast invites you to pause, listen deeply, and discover your own threads of purpose, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re navigating change, craving inspiration, or simply curious about the wisdom life brings, you’ll find comfort, clarity, and community in The Golden Threads Podcast and accompanying book: Golden Threads - Women's Shared Wisdom from the Tapestry of Life.

#golden threads #womenofwisdom #inspiration #wisdom

www.goldenthreadsbook.co.uk

https://goldenthreadsbook.co.uk/

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