My year of positive thinking...
It's that time of year again - time to make great plans for the coming year which are almost impossible to keep. There are all the usual resolutions - aiming to lose weight, to run a marathon or to stop eating chocolate. But let's be honest about it: most of us give up on the good intentions in the first month. So this year I am aiming for something which is hopefully more achievable. I am going for a year of positive thinking, a year of doing rather than talking about things. A year when I see lots of friends and family and basically have a good time. Don't get me wrong, my time up until now has been good as well, but I have let the days pass by too quickly with not enough fun things to fill the time.
My positive plan corresponds with where I am in my life. Suddenly my kids are leaving home and don't need me to be on hand to babysit or taxi them around anymore. I am in my 56th year and I can suddenly feel my joints starting to ache and older age creeping on. I have lost a good friend to cancer this year, which makes me only too aware that life is short and that you have to lead your life to the full.
So I am determined this year to have a good time, to do the things that I want to do, to book in events that I have always fancied but never got around to doing, and to keep in touch more with family and friends. Firstly I need to get fit, or maybe not fit but keep myself supple. So I have joined the gym. The gym has been a revelation to me. I have always been one for the outdoors, and I still am, to be honest, but the gym has immediately helped me to feel healthier and puts me in a positive frame of mind.
Then there are fun events with my girlfriends. We are already planning a walking trip, a visit to an art gallery with lunch, a singing weekend. All events to look forward to.
I have lots planned with my husband a weekend in the Lakes, a summer holiday adventure. All things that are good to plan when the nights are long and the weather is bad.
And when I haven't a plan, I aim to cook tasty things to eat, to read a good book, to check out the cinema, to enjoy a relaxing bath. Anything to give me time for myself, to enjoy the moment.
So my advice to you is don't set your sights too high, give yourself a treat each day, book in a few interesting events with friends and family and stay positive. Life is for living after all!
And remember, if you could do with a friend to share experiences with, togetherfriends can always help!
