Happy New Year From Changing Pages

It’s the 2nd of January already, two days into 2017 and I’m just about catching up with myself.  We have just arrived home after a  lovely Christmas and New Year with friends and family in Norfolk.  I have been fortunate enough to have been on holiday from work since the 24th December.  As a nurse, albeit now a 9-5, Monday to Friday one, this is still a novelty and cannot be taken for granted.  I’ve worked Christmas days and boxing days in years gone by and have frequently had to cut short festivities to get back to work so I have savoured the extended Christmas break this year.

We have spent time with all those people that mean most to us, shared food, drink, gifts, games, walks and houses.  Its been lovely!  Our Christmas tree is still up and is likely to remain so for a few days yet but I can’t ignore that  tomorrow is back to work and in a sense back to reality. I don’t mind.  Its time to get some routine, shake off the festive fug and start planning for the year ahead.

Nationally and Internationally it can’t be denied that 2016 wasn’t the easiest, and certainly threw us a few curve balls along the way.  For me personally, 2016 had lots of highlights.  As always holidays, and time with nearest and dearest featured prominently, and excitingly I’ve been able to grow Changing Pages this year.  I certainly haven’t achieved all those things I set out to achieve this time last year. I didn’t read all the books I’d planned.  I didn’t see my family as much as I would have liked and  I still haven’t learnt to make macarons (theres always next year).  Right now I’m really not sure what I want to achieve in 2017, I’m still mulling it, but as always at the beginning of a new year I have a tinge of excitement about whats ahead. So right now, as I move somewhat slugggishly into a new year I want to harness that excitement and focus on the possibilities.    I don’t make resolutions, instead I like to set myself challenges or focus on aims and goals.  It feels so much more positive that way.

As I start my January lists and think about what I would like from 2017, may I take this opportunity to says a HUGE thank you to everyone who has read, commented, encouraged and contributed to Changing pages this year.  Writing it continues to give me such pleasure and it has become a part of my life I can’t quite imagine being without.

I wish you all a happy, healthy, joyful, creative and inspirational 2017.

Image Changing Pages