Happy New YEAR 2026
I don’t like New Year! Never have, but this year was much better ………
I find it quite depressing if I’m honest being caught between the doubts and the fears - the doubts and regrets about what I haven’t achieved, and fears about what might lay ahead, and too much introspection, but this New Year felt much more positive.
What really helped was two things in particular. Firstly, on New Years day we were going away for a couple of nights to celebrate our son’s birthday - having something tangible to look forward to helped me, rather than limping over the threshold of New Years Eve aimlessly - yes you’ve got it - I’m always a girl who needs a plan!
Secondly, I decided to do a review of 2025 which certainly was a roller coaster for me, especially with the death of my lovely Dad in June. In going through my diary, and listing things I’d done, places I’d been, and things I had accomplished, it really helped me, and strangely, also healed me. I could see the time I’d invested in my family this year, and that is something I will never regret. I had just enough speaking engagements to be rewarding and fulfilling, but not a diary that was overwhelming. I was able to give enough time to the writing of my ‘Singlehanded’ book where I tell my story, and this was a wonderful gift. It is now at Authentic Media publishers at the proof-reading and editing stage. (More news in the coming months)
In 2025, when at times I found myself saying ‘it’s all a bit much,’ it was actually all just ‘enough’ - I had enough strength for the trials, enough opportunities to be fulfilled, enough friendship and family time to feel thoroughly loved and supported, enough local church involvement, enough soothing for my grief, enough travel, enough events I’d organised, enough music, in fact, enough of everything that matters. For every challenge and trial, (and believe me there were many), there was enough grace and strength. The word for 2025 was ENOUGH.
For 2026, I only resolve to keep doing the same - to have healthy priorities, to invest wisely in the things that matter most, to be kind to myself and to others, to keep living with faith and integrity, to be the best wife, mum and grandma I can be, and to make the most of each day. I resolve to pray more and worry less, to love more, and fret less. I stopped making unattainable New Years resolutions a long time ago, and only focus on what I know will be possible with God’s help. Happy New Year everyone.
Henry Ward Beecher says:
’On the first day of January, start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more.’
