2020 - hopes and thoughts

It's that time again when everyone makes resolutions that they hope will transform their lives but which in reality are forgotten or broken by the end of January. I came across a quote from Mark Twain which I thought summed this ritual up rather well - 'Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.' Nothing screams failure like a resolution broken, does it? So I refuse to set myself up to fail and have decided to look back at the last decade as we slide into an arbitrary marking of the passage of time and reflect on what I'd like to achieve in the next year.

Over the last decade I have gained a whole tribe of strong, supportive writer friends. Some I have been fortunate enough to meet up with in person, some are only virtual friends but without fail they have given me support and so many laughs. You know who you are, ladies, take a bow. Without this tribe I would have let my writing journey stall so many times. and I look forward to a year filled with more words and with the real possibility that I will get them out into the world to find their audience. So a huge thank you to everyone who touched my heart and picked me up over the last ten years.

This writing lark can be tough. It's often solitary, frequently frustrating but somehow we keep going. If, like me, you have stories in your head then they have to get told one way or another. So in 2020 I really want to find the audience for my stories. Whether this is through traditional publication or another route I do not know yet but there is sure to be a way to find my readers. I am also going to revive my previous idea of sharing some stories via a podcast. I have had some interest online from other writers who might like to share work this way so that is an avenue I intend to look into next month. Listen out for my dulcet Brummie tones!

I am also aware that during the past decade I have done my fair share of caring for others. That won't change, it's part of my DNA, but I do want to do more self care next year. I have found a couple of activities that will bring some creativity into each day and I hope to find some peace and fulfilment doing those. I also want to take better care of my health. Many years of putting others first is starting to take its toll and as the years advance I see the need to nurture myself a bit more. I am overhauling my diet in view of the spectre of diabetes and my fitness needs so improve as well. Baby steps are being taken and I hope to improve things further next year.

So I wish all who I love a fabulous 2020 filled with joy, peace and success. I raise a virtual glass to you all and look forward to celebrating all our achievements next year.