Celebrating Our Winner: 12 Stories Life Writing Competition
When we launched the 12 Stories Life Writing Competition, we weren’t sure what to expect. Would people be keen to share their stories? Would we discover untold moments of transformation, resilience, and joy? The answer was a resounding yes! From across Australia, we received heartfelt stories of big life changes—some unexpected, some long-awaited, but all […]
My 80th Birthday Year: The First Four Months of Celebration
As I entered the 12 month period leading-up to my 80th birthday, which happens in October this year, inspired by Cathy’s idea of having twelve mini-celebrations during her 50th year on this planet, I decided to emulate her approach. Turning 80: How Did That Happen? I need to emphasise here that I find it difficult […]
How to Turbocharge Student Well-being
Introducing ‘My School Journey’ and ‘My Primary School Journey’ Programs for Student Well-being As schools gear up for the 2025 academic year, the focus on student well-being and personal growth is more important than ever. Reflective writing has emerged as a powerful tool to enhance emotional resilience and self-awareness—key elements of the Australian Curriculum’s General […]
Here’s How to Make Your Milestone Birthday Year Extra-Memorable: 12 Mini-Celebrations
Turning a Milestone Birthday into a Year of Memories Some birthdays deserve more than just one day of celebration. Milestone celebrations—whether it’s 40, 50, 60, or beyond—are more than just candles on a cake. They’re moments to pause, reflect, and celebrate the chapters of your life that brought you to this point. At 12 Stories, […]
Reflective Writing: The Key to Well-being for Year 12 Students in a Future-Focused World
In today’s world, it feels like we’re always being encouraged to think ahead. Planning for the future, working towards long-term goals, and focusing on what’s next are all deeply ingrained in how we operate, especially in schools. But sometimes, all that forward-thinking can come at a cost—we forget to pause and take stock of where […]
100 Days Until Christmas – The Perfect Time to Create a Beautiful Gift
Looking for a unique and memorable Christmas gift idea? With the countdown to Christmas now at 100 days, it’s the perfect time to think about the gifts that truly capture the spirit of the season – thoughtful, personal, and lasting. This year, why not give a gift that is not only heartfelt but also a […]
Why Life Writing is Perfect for the Over 50s
Reflect, Reconnect, and Reignite Your Spark We all hit a point where we look back and think, ‘How did I get here?’ For over 50s folk, this feeling often gets a bit stronger. Maybe you’ve recently retired, the children have left home, or you’ve simply got a bit more time on your hands to think […]
5 Unique Ways to Publish Your Life Story Collection
Wondering how to publish a life story? It’s a big decision and there’s no ‘right’ answer. It’s what right for you. What’s certain is you’re going to want to honour the incredible collection of life writing you’ve created. To help you publish your life story in a way that best suits you, we’ve gathered five […]
How to Get Your Dad Talking on Father’s Day (and the other 364 days of the year)
Dads have a way of making us laugh, whether we want to or not. But beyond the jokes, there’s a wealth of stories, wisdom, and life experiences just waiting to be shared. And sometimes, all it takes to get your dad talking is the right question. Father’s Day is the perfect time to start those […]
The Benefits of Handwriting: Why Putting Pen to Paper Still Matters
In our device-driven, high-tech world, it might seem crazy to think about the benefits of handwriting and whether it still has a place. But it definitely does. There’s something undeniably human about finding that perfect pen, that lovely writing surface, and being able to express yourself in a way that just feels a bit more […]
