With strict lockdowns and increasing periods of social isolation, some fear the long-term impacts of COVID-19 could be more deadly than the virus itself. Although the pandemic’s impact around the world is devastating, 2019 Australasian mediator of the year, Tom Stodulka, says, ‘Life has al-ways had its challenges and heartache. It is, how we face these challenges which can make a huge difference.’
With more than 40 years’ experience in the legal and mediation professions, from both military and civilian backgrounds, Tom has had a long life working with people who are often at low points in their lives. And, after growing up in a refugee family in the 50s, Tom is no stranger to some of life’s hardships.
‘Sometimes it is easy to forget that as a nation we have survived wars, conflicts, depressions, and economic uncertainty before COVID-19,’ Tom said. ‘Through determination, compassion, under-standing of and support for each other, we do survive whatever adversity and stress is thrown at us.’
Tom went on to say that whilst we are living in unprecedented times, 'We should remember that life is about enjoying what we can in every single moment. Enjoy the world around you, because hap-piness is found in every single one of those moments, especially when you’re being active and cre-ative.’
After selling all copies of his debut poetry compilation, Storm Clouds and Silver Linings-My Jour-ney, Tom aims to spread the message of hope amidst COVID-19 with his second book, Life is a Dance. Reminding all Australians, that how we face life’s challenges is all about staying positive and being considerate, fair and generous to our fellow humans.
Of Tom’s new book, a Brisbane school principal wrote: ‘In this challenging year, your poetry is a gentle reminder to pause, reflect and appreciate the special moments in life’.
Tom has chosen two charities engaged in supporting homeless and disadvantaged people national-ly and internationally, from the sales of his new book. This is in addition to his previous support for fire and flood relief during 2018 and 2019.
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Life, love and work intertwine with nature and a unique series of poems, in Tom's revised edition of his successful book of poetry. No matter what the day-to-day challenges are, as life unfolds, Tom shows us – through his poetry – that life is about enjoying what we can in every single moment.
Journey with Tom through tales of Australian life, discover local flora and fauna and learn from his experiencesin his work as a mediator. Tom shares his deep appreciation of nature, his passion for his work and shows the reader how to remember, that life is a dance, not a journey.
Tom Stodulka has loved to write for many years, though as a child he found this form of expression was a struggle. As the years progressed, through high school and law school, Stodulka gained an appreciation of language and how it could be used a s a tool for making a difference. His confidence grew enough to write diaries of his life in the Navy and eventually in 1976, on board the HMAS Duchess , he wrote his first poem, The World and the Future, which features in his first publication, Strom Clouds and Silver Linings; My Journey.
In this, his fifth publication, Tom continues to reflect, share his creative output and positively impact those with his work. Life is Love contains seventy brand new poems along with thirty of his previous works that his dedicated readers have requested be featured as special favourites. Also you will find reflections from fellow authors and Tom’s publisher on their experience of sharing special creative moments with him.
People often ask me what inspires me to write. The answer is simple; I love capturing the moment of a changing world and value incredibly the impact my writing has on my readers, whether it is my wife, family and friends, or complete strangers across the globe. A big thank you to you all.
- Tom Stodulka -
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