2020 | But I Smile Anyway...

2020 – Word Of The Year

Well, look at us! We’ve reached the next year, the next DECADE, in fact! I sincerely hope you had a good one, celebrating the end of one era, and the beginning of this next one.

So, what have you got planned? Any resolutions? I find it very hard to make resolutions. I have done so, in the past, and they just stay that. Resolutions, but not achieved.

Last year, I decided to adopt this trend that has been around a while, and focus on a word for the year. Something that will spur a person on to focus on goals.

It intrigued me, so I thought ‘why not?’

Last year, my word was Self. I wanted to really think about my time, and make sure that I looked after me, as well as everyone else in my life, and concentrate on work/life balance. And I didn’t do too badly, I’ll have you know! I took time out when I needed it, got my nails done, regularly, read lots (147 books, Goodreads knows!) and made sure I had a bubble bath weekly, if not more.

All these things really did help me. I achieved more than I thought I could, found myself able to cope with life a lot calmer, and I got to soak in a tub full of bubble, every week! Bliss!

So, what of this year?

I thought long and hard, and the word that kept coming to mind was this…

Believe.

So that will be my focus this year.

I want to believe in myself. Have that confidence that I can achieve my goals, and make my dreams come true.

The book is out in 6 weeks. I am nervous as anything, but I need that belief that all will go well; that I am not a bad writer, and that it will be well received.

I need to believe that I can write most of, if not all of, book two, as well. I don’t have another twenty years to tinker about! And, I am hoping that there will be readers of my first book, who would like to read more from me… I have to believe that!

I want to focus on my own beliefs a little more too.

I hope to visit the gurdwara more regularly, and pay my respects to God. After all, he’s helped me get this far. It’s a shame, because the most beautiful temple is a stone’s throw away from our home, yet we drive past daily, instead of popping in. I must change that.

I need to believe that I can change my lifestyle successfully, to be more healthy, from eating and sensible weight loss, to getting some proper exercise in place.

And, I’m still holding onto Self too. That weekly bubble bath will not stop! Might curb the reading a little, if I want to get more of book two written!

So, my dear Peeps, do you have a word for the year? What are your goals, plans, hopes or dreams for 2020?

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 252 – Year End

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.”
Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Thank you for finding another inspirational set of words, Spidey!

You know, I often wonder what the big deal is about New Year.

It’s just marking the passing of time, yet so many of us put great store into the New Year, and what it will bring us.

But then, is not every morning a new start? A new chapter in your life? Another chance to right wrongs, or begin a new regime?

I do try to start each day with that positivity, but I know, it’s not always easy to wipe the slate of yesterday truly clean, and emerge in the morning, unscathed by the happenings of the day before. There may be deadlines at work, issues with colleagues, family, or even friends. Someone might be unwell.

On this note, I do like to think of each year as another chapter in my life book. I have plenty of chapters to look back upon, to learn from, to reminisce, and laugh at.

But this new year, it brings with it possibilities.

Who knows what will happen in the future? No one.

But, if you want to do something, it is in your hands to start the wheels of fortune turning, and make something of your dreams and ideas.

And what better time to make those plans than at the beginning of the New Year?

I don’t know it, but I have a feeling in my bones… 2020 might just be the start of something big. I have hopes and dreams, and I have had them for a while. But I decided I wouldn’t leave them as thoughts, but make them happen!

Publish that novel! And I am already on plan for that, with a release date of 9th February, 2020! (If you want to preorder the Kindle Edition, click here, getbook.at/MarriageUnarranged , and the paperback should (cover pending) be available to order from Amazon on the same day!
Make some real headway on book two (and even three!), whenever I get the time to sit and write.
Do something with my children’s stories. I have 2 picture book style texts ready, and a third that is half done, but alas, I am not an illustrator! But research time… Who knows, I might end the year as a published poet, novelist and children’s writer! (DREAM BIG!)
Do something with our house – we either need a MAJOR refurb, to give more space for the kids, and repair a whole host of issues, or look for a new forever home… the plans are there… hope this one is also achieved this year too!
Finish my first full teaching year with my own class on a HIGH! It has been tough, the last few years, having to share a class, and split myself between two (and sometimes, three) classes. This time, I was given my own space, my own class, and with it comes a new set of responsibilities. I want to show my Headteacher, I can smash it. I’m hopeful! (even with my special Beauts!)

So, Peeps, what have you got in your 2020 plans, so far?

Have a peaceful last Sunday of the year, and decade, Peeps And enjoy your New Year celebrations! ❤