January. Blues? Reviews? Resolues? Well, for some. I never make resolutions as I can never trust myself to keep them. I always admire people who do make steps to change themselves for the better at this time of year, though. It’s one of the things I really love about the New Year – It’s a time to reflect and think about our future. It gives us an opportunity to review how we’ve been doing, and whether we could improve things to make us happier or healthier, or both (or neither)! It gives us a chance to start afresh.

2018 was a year of travel, adaption and new opportunities for our family. We have travelled to and from central and southern Africa for 6 months out of 12, and have experienced all sorts of things in that time. In the past year, between us, we have been on 15 planes, and travelled approximately 32,650 miles. I just found out that the circumference of the equator is just over 24,000 miles, so… PHEW!

Looking after the boys has become more of a challenge for me. They’re growing up and answering back. I have been feeling disconnected and distant from them, and it has been hard to find the energy and impetus to come up with entertaining things for us to do together. At least, that’s what I feel. In actual fact, I’m sure someone on the outside would say that we have done a lot together this year, and that the boys have learned a lot from me (Not all of it good), as I have from them.

2019 will be more stable. The boys have started going to nursery part-time, and Khaya will be starting school in September. Our home has been newly refurbished, and I’m hoping that we will spend more time together as a family this year. It’s almost like a fresh start for us all, and it feels really good. I have good feelings about this year, and I know that I will be able to do more things for myself and, as a result, for the family as a whole. I am looking at ways to go back to work this year, and looking to write more in 2019. You may see more posts from me on here, and I have some ideas for a novel or two, as well as a series of children’s books. And I have a shiny new laptop to write them all on! My aim is to train for a new career this year, and start full-time work once Khaya has started school. Financially, that’s the best option. Plus, it’ll give me an opportunity to learn all I need to learn before stepping into new territory. Exciting and nerve-wracking all at once!

So, I guess I actually have made a resolution this year. I didn’t sign a piece of paper, or declare it at midnight on New Year’s Eve, but I did start to make a conscious effort to change and improve what I already have. And January seems a good a time as any to start that ball rolling.

So, here’s to 2019! I hope all of you have a great year ahead. And remember my motto in harder times: ‘Everything is temporary’. This has helped me get through the tough days.

All the best,
NSG xxx

(Photo credit: Levi Guzman at Unsplash.com)