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Another year over and what have you done?

On hearing John Lennon’s Happy Xmas (War Is Over) for the first time of many this year, inspiration hit me for a blog entry. The lyrics ‘so this is Christmas and what have you done’ always strike me.

Despite the theme of the song being about world peace, these words make me consider things on a very personal level.

What have you done, what have I done?

Initially I feel quite saddened when I hear these lines thinking: ‘ah, shucks. It really is another year over. Another year that has flown by and what have I actually done?’

I suddenly feel closer to death, despite being so young (and ever so slightly dramatic). I feel deflated and want to have achieved more. I feel flat that my new years resolutions lasted until February.

I think that sometimes the end of a year can bring a sense of disappointment and negativity universally. We start each new year bursting with motivation and hungry for change. For something new and exciting to greet us and for our year to be fulfilled, when in reality it’s just another year.

After I had had my meltdown, however, I thought again. What have I done?

This year I have kept all of my friends and made some new very good ones to bring more joy to my life. I have got closer to some important people and intend on keeping it that way. I have made some fab new memories and I have had so many good times.

This year I have drank too much wine and had many nights that I don’t remember. I have also partaken in healthier antics in my daily dog walks, sometimes even two and the occasional fitness work out with my sister.

This year I have juggled all of my work, I think, successfully. I have worked fifty hour weeks (and some) most weeks and worked very hard at that. In my day job I have upped my game and improved many skills. On the writing front I have written numerous articles which have been published online. I have even got published for the first time in print… twice. I have started a course which I am thoroughly enjoying and I have completed the first full draft of my first novel.

From my work, this year, I have bought myself a new car. I have driven it on numerous long journeys to visit friends. I am loving it and feel proud when driving it having fully earned it.

This year I have found ways of improving myself subtly that make huge differences. I have found a love for mediation which helps me to keep a calm mind in stressful situations and also helps me to continue working when my mind wants to give up. It has given me an element of control over my thoughts and emotions, something that I have never been good at.

This year I have been brave and read at my Granny’s funeral. I have been proud at how many people knew and loved her and I have been grateful for all the crazy years we shared.

This year I have learned how to better myself. I have learned how to be stronger, how important making time for myself is, how to embrace who I am rather than trying to change, how lucky I am in so many ways.

I have learned how to look positively at all times and how to be grateful for who and what I’ve got rather than to focus on what I don’t.

I have learned that I am still learning and have a long way to go but I will get there.

I have not learned how to say no to one drink for the road!!!!

So when you break it down as I have done for you, this year I have done so much and I’m sure you have too. Eradicate that deflation come December, embrace in the spirit of Christmas and be so pleased with all you have done this time around, ready to do it again and more in 2019!

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