New Year Resolutions

One of the first pictures of 2023

It is that time of year when we look back on the previous year and wonder on the next. I find it interesting as some people are really good at remembering all the bad things that happened to them in the year, whilst others only the good. I wonder if for some people it is easier to reflect on when things have gone wrong or that those events have dominated. Especially if that catastrophe was not your fault. I tend to like to remember the good things, because otherwise I find it is too easy to dwell on the bad. Though I think I am one of those annoying people who can see good in most things. Saying all of that it is also important to recognise when things don’t go right. It is what makes us the people we are and are going to be.

I thought I would use this blog as a little reflection on my year. But not in a oh look at all the things I have done, but just a look back. I will try and categorise it otherwise I feel it might get a bit confusing.

Work has gone OK this year. I spent the year learning about what it means to be on the leadership team which ended in July this year. It was an experience and has given me food for thought as to what I am going to do next. If I am honest I have reached the end of this calendar year absolutely knackered. Not usually had that and can’t really decide why. It maybe due to menopause (and yes that has hit this year), or whether work has got harder, or probably a combination. I know this time of year is always quite tiring and so will see what the new year brings.

I am continuing to study for my PhD in Mathematical Education and after a few hiccups my upgrade was excepted and I was allowed to continue with my studies. Saying that I find it really hard sometimes to get motivated and do the research I need to do. It is linked to work which is useful, and once I get going I realise why I am doing it which helps. But it is not always easy. Then if it were easy everyone would be doing one.

My biggest achievement this year has been my running. There have been some ups and downs, injuries, illness, poor performances and great ones. Probably what you should expect. I have improved my times for my 5K and 10K distances, though didn’t do as well in my marathon. I wonder with breaking my back whether my long distance running is behind me. I continue to get niggles in my back, which I can manage in the shorter distances but struggle over the longer runs. I ran a race every month this year from 10Ks to marathons and ended the year on a 49:50 10K. 

This year has seen some lovely holidays with hubby which has given some well timed down time. We had a couple of trips to London, a trip to Brighton for the marathon, a trip to the Isle of Wight with my eldest daughter, a trip to Cornwall with hubby and

of course our epic 30 day holiday to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. It was fab, not much more to add. I did find out that people liked seeing my outfits and shoes on the holiday and so began my online presence. 

We had the amazing privilege of seeing our eldest daughter graduate from her Mechanical Engineering masters and am proud that she has started working and is enjoying it. Our youngest daughter has one more year to complete her degree in Comic and Concept Art and we are both proud of all her achievements.

So what for this year. Well another graduation in July. Many more holidays and trips. Loads more running, walking the dog and trying to stay fit and ward off those menopause symptoms. I am hoping to compete in the British Masters Championships for those over the age of 35, but we will have to see how it all goes. I would like to do more charitable work or maybe some marshalling at the running events I compete in.

Final Picture of the year!!

I do like to set myself challenges and goals for the year. Not so much New Year resolutions but goals. I find that resolutions tend to be unrealistic and too difficult to realise and so many people fail. I prefer to set myself goals, which do not matter if I don’t achieve. I think maybe this year, it is to get to the end of another year in one piece. Keeping the bar low.