Hello!  Is it too late to say Happy New Year!?  Do you even want to hear it or does it all just sound a bit repetitive and hollow!?  Answers on a postcard (or comment below) ... I have been in a bit of a writing hiatus, I've not wanted to appear on Instagram and have had several attempts at this post but my creativity just isn't flowing, I am very much in hibernation mode.

There is so much pressure to do something in the new year, to celebrate, to set goals, make resolutions, or whatever else the new 'insta-buzzword' is!   Why do we feel we need to create a better version of ourselves?  You as you are is just fine.  I feel like I have lost my way a little and I am desperately treading water just to keep up with the basics.  

So my first priority is acknowledging that today is just another day, that expecting everything to change just because it is the beginning of January is ... well ridiculous!  I am going to allow myself to take my time.  In fact I started this process way back in the Autumn so throughout January I will be building on my plans rather than rushing out to join a gym, start a new diet or change my lifestyle only to look back next January and realise I didn't manage to sustain any of it!

Below are a few ideas to take things slow and be gentle on yourself .... this is where I am and I hope it reassures you that real life isn't about perfection we all see on Instagram.  I'm certainly not dressing up, daily uniform currently leggings and a sweatshirt!

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2024 ... you weren’t so bad and in fact sorting through my camera roll to write this post and my caption for my Instagram reel I realised I’d had a lot of fun!  Even if there were times when I was exhausted, fed up and overwhelmed.

So in a lighthearted look back here are a few of my 2024 highlights and a reminder that despite setbacks, there are always good moments and glimmers of hope, laughter and opportunities to make memories together: