Hope

Well, I've survived Christmas and am now drifting quietly into the new year. It was a busy but joyful time, with the infectious excitement of an 8 year old growing as the big day got ever closer. We visited the festival of lights at Malvern. Very pretty. And we saw Father Christmas at Kerne Bridge, which was delightful. We even went to the crib service at St Mary's. Carols in church on Christmas Eve along with hosts of little people all about to burst with anticipation. Surprisingly lovely. Christmas Day itself brought many gifts, some nice food, a chilly inaugural scooter ride (not for me, I walked), and a surprisingly early night. Seems I'm not as young as I thought I was. Worn out from adventure and emotion. Missing the ones that are absent this year, whilst trying to cherish every moment with those present. Blink and it's gone.

The last time I wrote, I was in the same place. On the sofa, pinned down by a sleeping cat. She is such a sweetie, but quite restrictive. She's my cat, and she claims me at every opportunity when it's cold outside. Still, it's not a bad place to be, although I could do with another cup of tea. The Christmas tree is still twinkling with lights. Lily and I chose it and decorated it while Helen was teaching her workshop. We did a good job! In the past, as a younger, busier person, I would take the tree down the day before we returned to school, as I wouldn't get the chance if 6th was midweek. Now I have the luxury of keeping it up and enjoying it until the last minute. I know the dust is settling on the baubles, but I have time to polish them. Later. Time is a luxury that I still haven't got used to, it's a frequent source of delight.

So, hope. I've used that word a lot lately. It's a good one, has positive vibes. I hope you had a good day, weekend, year. All things past. But I don't think it's right for the future. I was watching a film, Kinky Boots - very good, where the boss is admonished for implying that matters were out of his hands. They weren't, as it happens, and he took control. I feel that to simply hope is to relinquish control to fate. Well, I'm not happy to take the risk. There are things I want, and I plan to have. None of them material. I'm not leaving it to fate. I've started already, making positive changes, firm plans, and altering my mindset. I lied above, I'm not drifting into the new year at all! I'm directing it. Fate may still throw its curveballs, but I won't just watch them sail past. I intend to make the most of this moment, this day, this year, this time that won't come around again.

Happy New Year. Seize it and cherish every moment. See you at yoga soon I hope!