Victoria Ponders

Hello, 2026!

Hello, friends!

I’m doing my best to welcome 2026 with positivity and I know you’re trying to do the same. I see you…and I thank you!

I’ve got a couple of good news items for you today:

I’m honored again this year to have two offerings – Writing for Wellness and Navigating Elder Care – in the Chicago Writers Association’s Speakers Bureau.

My next event on February 20 is at capacity but the good folks at the Wauconda Public Library are maintaining a waitlist. It should be great fun – I love a “lunch and learn” session! Add your name to the waitlist if you’re in the area. I’d love to see you there.

If you haven’t visited my business website recently, I’ve updated it with fresh photos from recent events. You can also peruse other workshop topics by checking out the “Connect” menu.

I hope you’re following the terrific conversations my dear friend Wynne Leon and I have podcast-style with so many talented guests:

Listen on Spotify: Sharing the Heart of the Matter • A podcast on Spotify for Creators and How To Share | Podcast on Spotify

Watch on YouTube: Sharing the Heart of the Matter – YouTube and How to Share

Last but not least, we just received amazing feedback from author A. Marc Ross about our recent podcast with him about his fabulous book, “Attacking the Dragon”. Marc wrote:

My thanks to Wynne Leon and Dr. Victoria Atkinson for having me as a guest on their podcast “How To Share.” Wynne and Vicki did a fabulous job regarding the podcast. They had carefully read my book Attacking The Dragon and were prepared with insightful comments and questions about it–exactly what an author/guest wants. Moreover, their perception of my journey in becoming an author and writing this book offered me new insights about my own experiences.
I look forward to doing another podcast with them and highly recommend them.

Thanks for all of the support…sending my best wishes to you.

Vicki 💝

Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press

Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love.

Click here for Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcasts. Listen and subscribe. Thank you! Click here for videos of our podcasts.

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Victoria

Hi — I’m Vicki and I’m a big believer in the power of connection – taking time to share what matters most. I love pondering…thinking about work, family and home life and I enjoy blogging about all of it. Cheers!

46 responses to “Hello, 2026!”

  1. Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader) Avatar
    Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)

    Here’s to a terrific 2026, Vicki! Good luck with your speaking, your writing, and your podcasting. You and Wynne are a powerful duo.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Michelle! We adore you. Sending all of our love to you. ❤️🥰❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader) Avatar
        Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)

        Love and hugs back to you too!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          Got ’em! Thank you! 💝😊💝

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  2. Cindy Georgakas Avatar
    Cindy Georgakas

    It looks like you are starting g out with a bang with so many exciting news! I wish I was closer and I’d be first in line e on that waitlist, Vickie! Love your updates on your website, your podcast and both you and Wynne! Cheers for all your heart desires as you leap into the fire dragon year which sounds Sa about right for you!! Hugs 🤗

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      You are such a delight, Cindy! Wynne and I are grateful to you for all of your support and love. We feel it! Sending big hugs your way my friend! xo! 💝😊💝

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Cindy Georgakas Avatar
        Cindy Georgakas

        Awww thanks Dear Vickie! You deserve it and I too am grateful for you both! Hugs received gratefully!!
        ❤️🙏❤️🙏

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          ❤️❤️❤️

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  3. Wakinguponthewrongsideof Avatar
    Wakinguponthewrongsideof

    💕

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. beth Avatar
    beth

    It’s your year, dear Vicki!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Aww…I dunno about that…but I plug away…yes I do! Xo! 😘

      Like

      Reply
  5. Chris G Thelen Avatar
    Chris G Thelen

    I agree with Marc, you and Wynne do a fabulous job with your podcast. I had so much fun being interviewed and am grateful for the opportunity. Blessings to you in this new year. Looks like you’re off to a great start.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      So kind of you to say, Chris! We’ve loved talking with you, too. Always a pleasure! Sending our best wishes to you for a terrific 2026! ❤️😉❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Deborah J. Brasket Avatar
    Deborah J. Brasket

    Sounds like a terrific start to 2026! I too was so impressed with your podcast interview of me and my book. You and Wynne made me feel so comfortable and asked so many interesting questions. You two are so talented and your speaking engagements will be wonderful. And on top of that you have a new novel coming out! I wish the rest of the world was as loving, and peaceful and productive as you are. 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Oh my goodness. You are far too kind and generous, dear Deborah, with your wonderful praise! Thank you, thank you! Connecting with you was such a highlight in 2025! Here’s to YOUR continued success…Wynne and I are big fans! ❤️😉❤️

      Like

      Reply
  7. Wynne Leon Avatar
    Wynne Leon

    Love your positivity, Vicki!! Your courses are so incredibly helpful and hopeful. So glad you have these offerings and I’m not surprised all the slots are filled! And the conversation with Marc? Incredible all around! Nice work, my dear friend!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Love you! Thank you for all the things you do to lift up so many of us, dear Wynne! ❤️🥰❤️

      Like

      Reply
  8. Lori Pohlman Avatar
    Lori Pohlman

    You are bringing so much good energy, growth and understanding to this world, Vicki! I hope to be able to come to one of your events someday. Still working on relocating back to the Midwest- not sure where my husband and I will land. Have a wonderful day and thank you for all you do! Wynne, too!🥰

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      The Midwest will welcome you back, my friend! I look forward to being able to visit in person! Thank you for all of your many kindnesses. Wynne and I appreciate you! Xo! 😘

      Like

      Reply
  9. petespringer Avatar
    petespringer

    Kudos to you for your commitment to elder care, Vicki. I share your passion for the same issue, in large part because the way society treats older adults is often shameful. I can’t help but compare it to others, where elders are among the most respected and are always looked after.

    Your podcasts with Wynne are excellent. I watch as many as I can because they’re always insightful. Some weeks it’s harder to make the time, and I think, Oh, I’ll watch this later. Of course, sometimes I forget to do that. I will try to make time to listen to your podcast with Marc (I love that you provide listening/viewing options, as I’m more of a visual than an auditory learner).

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you so much, Pete! I feel like you’re a kindred spirit…all the wonderful volunteering you do with your beautiful empathetic heart. Agree 100%! I won’t stop if you promise you won’t either! 😉
      And thank you for your podcast support. It’s a huge endeavor and a load which Wynne carries to get both audio and video produced. I heard just this week from another friend about how much she appreciates the YouTube videos. Thanks for calling that out. Sending big hugs! ❤️🥰❤️

      Like

      Reply
  10. Ab Avatar
    Ab

    Congrats on a great start to your writing year. A waitlisted event is great engagement. Good luck with it and all your other plans for 2026!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you! Sending big hugs and gratitude to you, Ab! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. Michele Lee Avatar
    Michele Lee

    Your best is beautiful and inspiring. 💖 Once again, I wish I could join you! I know your presence and voice will uplift spirits. ✨ Have a wonderful time, Vicki. Looking forward to reading highlights from your events. 🎙️👏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Love all of that, Michele! Thank you for your support and interest. Means a lot to me! Big hugs! ❤️🥰❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Michele Lee Avatar
        Michele Lee

        Big hugs to you too and thank you! ❤️💐

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          Xo! 😘

          Like

          Reply
  12. Rhonda Avatar
    Rhonda

    Awesome! Happy New Year!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Rhonda! You, too! ❤️🥰❤️

      Like

      Reply
  13. E.A. Wickham Avatar
    E.A. Wickham

    I am with you an having a positive 2026! I’m intentionally working on motivational readings and podcasts (including yours and Wynne’s with A. Marc Ross). Here’s to a Happy New Year.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you so much, dear one! Xo! 🥰

      Like

      Reply
      1. E.A. Wickham Avatar
        E.A. Wickham

        💕

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  14. esoterica Avatar
    esoterica

    Happy New Year, Vicki! And you’re starting 2026 with some roaring momentum… keep it up! 😘

    Like

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Aww! You’re making me grin. Thank you, Erin! ❤️🥰❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. T. W. Dittmer Avatar
    T. W. Dittmer

    Wonderful, Vicki! Have a great 2026! 😍🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Tim! All the best to you, too! ❤️🥰❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. drgeraldstein Avatar
    drgeraldstein

    Continued progress and success in your writing adventure, Vicki. Thanks to Mr. Ross for his help.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Dr. Stein! ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. Life with Alegria Avatar
    Life with Alegria

    Such lovely news to welcome in the new year. Happy New Year Vicki. 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Much love to you, dear Alegria! I feel woefully out of touch but hope to catch up with you on Substack…soon! xo! 💝😊💝

      Like

      Reply
  18. Awakening Wonders Avatar
    Awakening Wonders

    Cheers to your positivity – for your thoughts powerfully shape your reality! 💖💖💖

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      From your lips, Mary! Thank you so much for bringing the positivity and love yourself! 💝😊💝

      Like

      Reply
  19. melaniemcgauran Avatar
    melaniemcgauran

    Wow, that’s a really kind comment from Marc Ross. Kudos to him for following-up. Yay for new events (and one is full already!) Word is clearly spreading about Vicki Atkinson. 😊 2026 is going to be a GOOD year. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      You’re too sweet. And yes — how nice of Marc, right?
      As for the events…it’s a hard thing – this self-promotion stuff. Thank you for riding along and always making me smile, dear Melanie! Love ya! 💝😊💝

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. melaniemcgauran Avatar
    melaniemcgauran

    I enjoy the “riding along.” There’s always a new nugget of info to take with me. Have an awesome week, Vicki! 🥰🥰

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Awww…you, too! ❤️🥰❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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“Surviving Sue”, a special story about resiliency and love: Eckhartz Press (paperback) and eBook on Amazon.

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Chicago Writers Association Speakers Bureau – Writing for Wellness; Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor; How to Create a Writing Platform; AI for Caregivers

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