Garden of Reflections

This workbook has changed so many times!

It began as The Goalie Mindset Workbook, a free companion eBook for The Goalie Nobody Expected. At first, I created it mainly to help goalkeepers develop confidence and a stronger mindset.

However, I soon realised that every player—not only the goalkeeper—can struggle with confidence, mistakes, pressure and disappointment. The book then became The Soccer Mindset Workbook and, finally, My Soccer Mindset Workbook.

Along the way, I changed the cover many times, removed activities that no longer fit and added new ones. I edited and re-edited the pages more times than I can remember!

I enjoyed designing the covers, although some days I wondered if I would ever finish. I was learning how to use Canva at the same time, and on some days, all I did was watch tutorials. When I finally finished the cover, I discovered that other books were already using the title The Soccer Mindset Workbook. That was when it became My Soccer Mindset Workbook—a title that actually fits the book much better.

But the most meaningful part of its development happened during a difficult season when our team was losing game after game. I invited the players to answer some of the workbook activities.

Not everyone responded in the same way, but some genuinely welcomed the opportunity to reflect and share their thoughts. A few even began looking forward to answering the activities. I noticed that, for some players, the losses no longer seemed like the only thing that mattered. They could also think about what they had learned, how they were improving and the kind of player they were becoming.

Their answers helped us understand what they were feeling, where they needed support and what mattered to them as players.

That experience helped transform this workbook from an idea into something grounded in real team life. It may not connect with every player in the same way, but I saw how reflection activities could open meaningful conversations and help young players feel heard.

I am very thankful to the players who took part. Their responses helped shape this workbook into what it is today.

Here are some of the covers from its journey—from an idea created for goalkeepers to a mindset workbook for every young soccer player. The first cover you'll see is what it is now, uploaded, and it will be available soon on Amazon after I get my proof copy, and hopefully there's nothing more to change.

I'm excited to share the developments of Vivi Anne Writes!

Over the past few weeks, I've updated my books, added new resources, and introduced a Bonus Gift page for readers.

One exciting development is that our Under 16 soccer team is now trialling The Soccer Mindset Workbook. After each training session, the players complete a few of the activities, giving our coaching team valuable feedback. It's helping us identify common areas where the players need support, so we can better plan future training sessions. It's been encouraging to see the workbook being used in a practical way to support both player development and coaching.

If you're a coach, parent, or team manager, why not give The Soccer Mindset Workbook a try with your own team? It is a free PDF download when you purchase the book The Goalie Nobody Expected. Even a few activities after training can encourage reflection, build confidence, and provide valuable insights to help shape future sessions.

If you've purchased one of my printed books, you can now claim a complimentary digital bonus through my website.

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me along the way. Every book purchased supports an independent author and inspires me to keep creating stories, workbooks, and resources for children, families, and young athletes.

There are more books, workbooks, and colouring books on the way, so stay tuned!

While I was fixing my website, the TV kept updating me on what was happening in the FIFA World Cup. I glanced every now and then.

I have officially been a soccer mum for more than a decade now, and one thing that always strikes me about this game is the resilience it teaches.

A player can tumble many times. They get bumped, challenged, stepped on, and sometimes hear words meant to distract or discourage them. Yet they are expected to stand up, stay focused, control their emotions, and keep playing.

Sometimes, reacting hurts the players more than the original challenge. A moment of frustration can change the whole game.

And somehow, after all the bruises, disappointment, missed calls, and tough moments… players still walk back onto the field.

And we still love the game because when they score a goal, the players' and spectators' reactions are electrifying.

Isn’t that crazy?

We visited on the first day of the Filipino Festival in Sydney, celebrating Philippine Independence Day on June 12. This year, the festival was held over three weekends, bringing together the Filipino community across Western Sydney.

On the final day, my youngest son and I watched a beautiful Tinikling performance, one of the Philippines' national dances. We both enjoyed the experience, but what touched me most was watching my son enjoy a part of my culture.

For a moment, I felt nostalgic and missed home. Then I looked beside me and realised that home is also here—with my son and my husband, who happily came along without ever questioning why I wanted to go.

Sometimes, home is the place you came from. Sometimes, it's the people who walk beside you.

Feeling blessed.

— Vivi Anne

Some stories are written straight away. Others wait quietly until the right time.

The Goalie Nobody Expected began after an unforgettable soccer season — a Grand Champion win, a team journey full of ups and downs, and even a street sign called “Rangers Way” that felt like the perfect symbol for the story.

After the game, I told my son that I wanted to write a book about the journey. Since he was the inspiration behind the main character, I asked him first. His answer was no — and I respected that.

But the story stayed in my heart.

I actually started writing it two years ago, but left it unfinished. Then, early this year, I asked again. This time, he said yes.

The words finally came together.

When the book was finished, my husband became one of its biggest supporters. After he read and helped edit the story, he encouraged me to share it. I also showed the draft to our soccer club president and his wife, and their support helped give me the confidence to bring the book to life.

More than a soccer story, The Goalie Nobody Expected became a story about teamwork, perseverance, encouragement, and the unexpected moments that shape us.

Is there really a secret ingredient in a delicious dish, or is it something else that makes a meal delightful and full of flavour?

Last night, I was asked what my favourite Filipino dish is. I didn’t have to think long. My favourite dish brings back memories of my childhood. My Mama always made beef soup when we were sick. There’s something comforting about a warm bowl of soup on a rainy day.

Growing up in the Philippines, we didn’t have winter, but we had the monsoon season, when rain could fall nonstop for days or even weeks. Soups like this were always welcome.

When I moved to Australia, this became one of my favourite winter meals to cook. Beef can be expensive, so using soup bones with a little extra meat is a simple way to make a hearty meal for the whole family.

Over the years, I learned a few things too. I didn’t know why some people rinse the beef after the first boil — I only knew Mama boiled the beef until tender and added vegetables. Now I understand it helps make a clearer soup.

My Papa was the cook in the family. He would let me help cut vegetables, but otherwise, he kept me out of the kitchen and told me to go play.

When I was about 15, my mum took me along to a Ladies' Bible Study. Most of the women were already married and in their 40s, but I enjoyed joining them. Before the Bible study began, the teacher would demonstrate recipes and different ways to use ingredients. While the food was cooking, the Bible study would begin, and afterwards everyone would share the meal.

I only attended a few times, but looking back, that was probably my first real cooking lesson.

I learned more when I became an adult. I usually help cut vegetables in the kitchen during gatherings, chopping vegetables and watching how things are done. I listen to others’ advice. One lady's advice stuck with me: “Cooking is easy. You either fry, stir-fry, boil, bake, or grill. If you know the basics of cooking, you already know how to cook.”

What I learned about recipes is that they are guides. Every cook brings their own experience. Two people can follow the same recipe and get different results. The secret in the recipe is with the cook. Some say that if you cook out of love, you serve love on your plate.

Why do I share recipes? Because many people asked for my recipes after tasting my cooking. It is a delight to share what makes people happy. Sharing what you know doesn’t diminish it. They may learn something from you, but you also learn from them if you are observant. Life is give-and-take, even if you are not aware of it. So, the secret ingredients in life or in recipes: learn the basics, observe, see, and write your signature in it. Your love for what you do is the secret ingredient.

I’ve grown to love my mum’s beef soup, not because she is a great cook, but because she cooked it out of love, hoping we would get better.

Colossians 3:17 (NKJV): "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

One recipe that grew from watching, remembering, and adding my own touch is my Beef Soup, inspired by my Mama's cooking and Filipino Bulalo.

Every book has a beginning, and Strawberry Coins began in a very ordinary place — our backyard.

During lockdown, we moved from eating on the veranda to spending more time in the back garden. As we sat there day after day, my eyes kept noticing our overgrown strawberry plants.

What started as caring for the garden became something unexpected. We began growing extra strawberry plants, and I was surprised when people wanted to buy them.

Around that time, I came across Rob Parnell’s free training on creating ebooks. When I needed an idea for a story, I looked at what was already happening around me — our garden, my children, and the many photos I had collected through the years.

Slowly, Strawberry Coins began to grow into a good family I treasure a lot.

The book became more than a gardening guide. It became a story about family moments, learning together, and discovering that sometimes the smallest seeds can grow into something unexpected.

Ingredients:

• 2 beef marrow bones (chuck bones)

• 500 g chuck steak or gravy beef

  • If chuck bones are unavailable, beef soup cuts are readily available in Australia.

• 1 large onion, quartered

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1 teaspoon peppercorns

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)

Vegetables

Use what you have or what you prefer.

• 2–3 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks

• 2–3 potatoes, peeled and quartered

• 1 broccoli, cut into florets

• Corn cobs, cut into 2–3 segments

• 250 g green beans, ends removed and cut in half

• 3 bok choy, trimmed and separated

  • Or substitute with baby spinach or cabbage.

Instructions:

1. Place the beef bones and beef pieces in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the meat. Add the onion, garlic, peppercorns, and fish sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

You can also use a pressure cooker and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cooking beef.

Optional: Some cooks prefer to boil the beef for a few minutes, discard the first water, then rinse the meat and pot before starting again. This helps create a clearer soup.

2. For a less oily soup, allow it to cool and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Remove the layer of fat that forms on top. I usually finish cooking the soup the next day because the fat is easier to remove.

3. Bring the soup back to a boil. Add the longer-cooking vegetables first—potatoes, carrots, corn, and beans. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until tender. Add the broccoli, bok choy, spinach, or cabbage during the last few minutes of cooking.

4. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra fish sauce if needed.

5. Serve warm with steamed rice.

A Little Extra

For another variation, use carrots and beans instead of potatoes and bok choy or spinach, then add Chinese noodles. You'll have a comforting beef noodle soup instead.