I love the start of a New Year. Having a new Diary, lots of fresh, blank pages just waiting to be filled. I have found moments to quietly reflect on last year and to think about life choices for making this year different and hopefully more fulfilling. Already, "last year" sounds like a long time ago so it's good to think about what was accomplished and to recognize the journey taken where there were significant "ups and downs" but progress made bit by bit.
The big lesson is that I have a choice; I can choose life. I can choose to simplify my life and find different ways to sustain and enrich my daily life. Little steps have been taken along the way that have added up to be a significant difference in how I approach each day. I have quiet optimism. I have learned to take a moment and breathe in and breathe out. I have enjoyed gentle times with candle light, comforting and soothing, giving me a chance to be reflective and recharge the soul. Long walks and time for doing nothing have also given me head space and allowed creative and positive ideas to flow instead of just keeping busy, and allowing anxious thoughts to dominate. Through my friend, Melbourne Jenny, I have discovered the words and voice of John O'Donohue and his words will be a companion with me in 2016.
"Buy the ticket. Take the ride." - Hunter S. Thompson
The challenge is this year to stay engaged with doing new things, learning new ways, meeting new friends and staying connected with old friends and family near and far. I need to make an effort to make the road trip, learn a new skill, get out and about because if I don't, I'll never know what might happen, whom I might meet or where I might end up.
Fresh herbs from the garden - too hot for flowers
Introducing Duncan, the border collie
Just before Christmas, Duncan came to live with me. He's seven or so and needs to go to boot camp to get fit and lose weight, just like his new owner! We are cutting back our portion sizes and going for walks but if it's too hot, he keeps me company inside with the air conditioning.
Left to Right, Duncan with Henry and Pip, my Melbourne Daughter's visiting border collies
The house is now quiet and empty after my Melbourne Daughter and family visited, including three month old baby, Harry. Canberra Son and his family, with nine month old, Millie, also stayed as well as Farmer Son completing the get together. It was wonderful to have them all here together and to play with the two babies and five dogs (the dogs weren't all here at once)! Lots of good company, food, drinks on the back lawn, lamb on the spit, music and choosing which baby to play with - it doesn't get any better.
2015 - A few of my favourite things
Novel: "One Life - My Mother's Story" by Kate Grenville
CD/Song: "Be Still" from the album "Battle Born" by The Killers
Blog: "Be More with Less" by Courtney Carver
Podcast: "On Being" with Krista Tippett and "The One You Feed" by Eric Zimmer
Audio Book: The John O'Donohue collection
Cookbook: Phillippa's Home Baking by Phillippa Grogan and Richard Cornish
"Buy the ticket. Take the ride." - Hunter S. Thompson
The challenge is this year to stay engaged with doing new things, learning new ways, meeting new friends and staying connected with old friends and family near and far. I need to make an effort to make the road trip, learn a new skill, get out and about because if I don't, I'll never know what might happen, whom I might meet or where I might end up.