Page 97 of The Life Makeover Club

‘No, no more homework,’ Liz said, and Miranda lifted a hand to her heart in dramatised relief. ‘This is something we’re all going to do now. What I want to say first, is that things don’t stop here, just because you’ve achieved some goals. Change is always occurring, and new opportunities and challenges will keep presenting themselves. Life is always moving, and it’s up to you to keep it moving in the direction you want. So right now, I want you to close your eyes, and think of how you want the following year to unfold.’

Everyone obliged, used to Liz’s spontaneous visualisation exercises. ‘You’ve seen what can happen in a year, so where do you want to be this timenextyear? How do you want things to progress, what do you want to experience, and how do you want to feel?’

Cara pondered Liz’s questions, and wondered how things might turn out another year from now.

‘I want you to think of one word, and one word only, that sums up your hopes and dreams for the following year. What is the first thing that comes to mind? It doesn’t have to be original, and it doesn’t matter if some of you choose the sameword. Just think of a word that feels good to you, and when you’ve got it, open your eyes.’

Got it.Cara opened her eyes, and gradually the group did the same, as Liz placed black markers in front of each woman.

‘Okay, now stand up, and pull one of the balloons down.’ Liz gazed at the bright bulging colours resting on the ceiling, ribbon dangling from each of them. Everyone yanked one down, Cara jumping to reach one. ‘On the balloon, write down your word.’ Lids clicked and squeaks sounded as markers moved across the taut rubber of the balloons.

Pop!Miranda jumped backwards. ‘Sorry! I got a little too enthusiastic!’ she confessed, as she picked up the limp remains of her balloon.

‘Which is why I brought extra.’ Liz grinned, pointing to the other balloons above the table. Miranda pulled another one down and wrote on it gently. Liz wrote on one too. ‘Now, follow me out to the balcony, and when I tell you to, we’re all going to yell out our special word, and release the balloons into the sky. Are we ready?’ Liz beckoned over her shoulder, and the women nodded as they followed her outside, balloons bouncing and rubbing against each other like crowds in morning rush hour. Cara was surprised that Shauna didn’t complain about the environmental hazard of doing such a thing, but maybe she was too excited to worry about it.

A soft, warm breeze breathed over Cara’s skin. ‘Looks like we’ve got fairy lights out here too, Liz.’ She glanced up at the brilliant silver stars speckled throughout the sky. Maybe each was shining for one person on Earth, guiding their way through the darkness. She looked at her balloon and smiled at the word, SHINE.

‘It’sa beautiful night; so still, and calm,’ said Miranda, the word PATIENCE adorning her balloon.

‘It sure is.’ Gina had written FREEDOM on her balloon.

‘Now, hold the emotion of your new hopes and dreams firmly in your mind,’ Liz instructed. ‘And on the count of three, say your word and release the balloon. Ready?’

This time, Carawas. More than ever.

‘One, two ... three!’

A burst of voices embellished the air with jewels of the future as everyone released their ribbon. Nine balloons floated gently into the midnight blue sky, carrying with them hopes, dreams, and wishes, while below, nine faces smiled.

THE END