I've got to 'come clean'... 2013 wasn't as good a year as my blog frequently suggests. I try to post about the nice stuff because those are the times that I want to focus on, remember and celebrate. The reality is that my workplace, especially by the end of last term, was extremely difficult. One of my line managers went off with stress at the beginning of December, the other followed him about a week later. My own health 'went astray' in the last week. I ended up doing most of the last week on crutches (not easy when the school site is about a quarter of a mile wide). My family's health is not great.... and a certain family member's behaviour has generated huge tension and upset across the rest of us. A few of my closest friends have had horrifically difficult 2013s too, while Mark's workplace has been worse than mine (One of his line managers collapsed at an airport, while he was waiting to travel for work. He's OK - but not in work until they can find the reasons behind the collapse.)
My only wish for 2014 is that things don't get any worse....
As a result I've decided to take a slightly different 'tack' on New Years Resolutions for 2014. (As I read in another blog recently - life is stressful enough without creating more self-imposed stresses.)
So here's my idea... I'm going to collect 365 "Novelties" over the course of 2014. By this I mean recording all the tiny new stuff (a new recipe; the discovery of a new author or new song; the pleasure of doing a walk in a new direction; choosing a different flavour of ice-cream - simple things) and then I'm going to post more regularly about the things that are keeping me sane and 'out of a rut'.
Does anyone feel like joining me?
Happy New Year and best wishes for 2014!
Jx
Hi Jan - boveybelle (Jennie) here from Codlins and Cream. I thought I'd come and wish you a happy New Year, and have enjoyed looking at your last couple of posts. We have plenty in common it seems. I shall bookmark your blog now and visit again.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I can manage 365 things to record, but I will try and record a few specials!
Happy New Year. Sorry to hear about the stresses and as you say let's hope the new year isn't any worse, but also that it improves. I really love the idea of collecting novelties, it's quite exciting :) xx
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for 2014 to you too Jan, I hope things improve for you.
ReplyDeleteJan, you're not the first person I know who said 2013 was a bad one. Mine had some lovely points to it but also some stressful ones too. Luckily my health is reasonably good but those around me have suffered. I will look forward to reading about your collecting through the next 12 months.Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWe had a good year, but it wasn't without its stresses. I chose not to air them on my blog, since I don't know if some of the offenders might have been reading (I never told them I had a blog, but they're wily that way...). I hope things improve for you this year. I wish you health and happiness in 2014.
ReplyDelete2013 seems to have been a stressful year for many of us. Let us hope that the new year is as you say at least no worse and preferably much improved. I like your idea of posting about the small good things and am looking forward to following your posts. Best wishes for a better and less stressful new year. xxx
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a lovely idea, I look forward to hearing more. Happy New Year, I hope 2014 is an improvement on 2013 for you.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your bad year especially the last couple of weeks at work. Your idea sounds good. Not sure if I'd be able to keep it up though. Hope 2014 is better for you.
ReplyDeletePatricia x
What a clever idea! I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
ReplyDeleteSorry last year was"t the best. Look forward to seeing how this next year progresses for you. Good luck with your challenge.
ReplyDeleteMany people I know, along with me, are glad 2013 is gone!! I like the idea--I tried keeping a gratitude journal last year--it isn't very full, but hey---I'm still alive and that is better than some.
ReplyDeleteWishing you joyful adventures in the New Year Jan.
ReplyDeleteWill be checking back often to see how the novelty goes :)
All the best,
Willow
Jan, you are not alone in being a blogger who does not write about the bad. I try to keep my blog more light-hearted and stress-free, but that certainly doesn't mean my life is always that way. I am sorry for all you and yours have been dealing with. I love your idea about enjoying and focusing on small, new found pleasures, inspirations, whatever. It is the little things in life that truly are the big things. Happy New Year to you and Tom (from me and Baby!)
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