Community News Life is a dance, not a journey By Sonia Isaacs Clark Landsborough author and 2019 Australasian mediator of the year, Tom Stodulka, has recently released a new anthology of poems entitled ‘Life is a Dance’. The book contains a compilation of almost 100 poems, and includes work from his debut book of poetry ‘Storm Clouds and Silver Linings – My Journey’ (originally published in 2018 and now in its third reprint) as well as new pieces written in recent years. Drawing on his extensive insights into the human condition through his role as a professional peacemaker, with more than 40 years of experience in mediation and law, Tom’s second book of poetry is already garnering remarkable reviews. Since writing his first poem in 1976 as a young naval legal officer, Tom has successfully combined his creative outlet of poetry with a hugely impressive career as a mediator that has seen him mediate more than 4,000 legal disputes within

Hope

Australia and be awarded the 2019 Australasian’s Law Award’s mediator of the year. Tom said he settled on the title of his book as he felt life and all its challenges presented something different than merely a journey, and to describe life as being a dance implied a happier, hopeful and more positive outlook. Many of his poems contain references to dance and he hopes his work captures the challenges of life while also retaining positivity in an everchanging world. “Poetry is a wonderful way to connect directly with people. I like to write poems that bring people hope, remind them to find joy and to help them seek opportunities, and develop positivity and resilience in facing the challenges of everyday life,” Tom said. “Life has always had its heartaches. It is how we face these challenges that can make a huge difference.” Originally scheduled for release at the end of last year, the book launch

Tom Stodulka with his new book ‘Life is a Dance’ was pushed back to mid-July this year. However, Tom said he felt that amidst a backdrop of COVID-19, strict lockdowns and increasing periods of social isolation it was more important than ever to share a message of hope. For more information and to purchase the book online head to www.tomstodulkaauthor.com. ‘Life is a Dance’ is also available from selected cafés and book sellers on the Sunshine Coast including Boho Bean at Beerwah, The Orangery Maleny and The BookShop at Caloundra.

I recently read something about hope, Really extends anyone’s scope. Sounds like being positive Kills the pain of the negative. The sun is coming up each day, The kookaburras have had their say. We have had the cold and the rain, And anyway life is never just all about gain. This week has been another hard one, So much so you felt a bit low. What games have you won? How much have you had to run? Look up to the sun, To the moon and the stars. Remember the word hope. You know it will help you cope. Regain lost strength. Upwards and onwards, no more backwards. Just embrace hope, Such a good four letter word, Hardly absurd. You have regained hope. Tom Stodulka - 18 July 2018

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