A bang of New Year’s Eve fireworks may be how most people will spend the end of 2019. Not me. I’ll be taking a more straightforward approach, ending the year with gratitude, pride and bittersweet memories. Maybe raising a glass of cold beer with my nearest and dearest.
As I age time moves faster, though for some reason this year seemed like a long one. It was packed full of the highs and lows of life, like an old rollercoaster slowly chugging uphill only to shoot down the dips, so my heart dropped to my stomach. I have ached but I have healed. I am optimistic about 2020. I hope you are too.
I’ve laughed, cried, worried, grieved, shared, created, worked, pondered, let fitness slip, planned, been bullied, stayed resilient, supported, began a dream job, enjoyed wins, endured loses, regathered, communicated, got motivated, fought lethargy, got fitter, ate healthier, built a new life, found a new home, created family traditions, grew bonds, rediscovered design, networked, increased gratitude, wrote – and above all – loved.
What I learned most was:
- We all have hidden internal struggles
- Showing successes on social media doesn’t mean you are more successful than others
- Our bodies need health more than visual appeal
- Cancer is becoming a chronic, rather than a fatal disease (but the fact does not ease the emotional pain for those fighting the fight)
- Bushfires have been part of Australia for thousands of years (we need to return to old ways)
- Fires create new growth (ask the Aborigines or any indigenous people).
- The world cares about our koalas
- I don’t need to write multiple books per year – I must complete my WIP
- There is more to the business of writing than words
- My family are imperfectly perfect, and I love them with my heart and soul
- Dogs know their way home
- If you find the person who loves you warts and all love them warts and all back
- No matter how far you travel, real friends remain
- I write to be read
- Words are, and always have been, my story
You’re probably wondering if I have a resolution. I have too many because I have a long list of goals I would like to achieve in 2020 and beyond. So, instead, I am setting myself a monthly challenge. I’ll let you know what my January goal is. Less alcohol and more exercise. I guess it’s a common one in January but for my health – an important goal.
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
I’d love to hear yours. Comment below. Thanks for reading my dear readers. You mean the world to me.
If you would like to read my first two books for only 99 cents (ebooks only) and have a sneak peek at Elephant Creek.
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