Forwards

Most people have been in retrospective mood over the past few weeks, Christmas and New Year seems to encourage a general "everything is shit and I hope that next year is better..." or a "Next year is my year, think great thoughts and nothing can stop you..." type response, especially on Facebook and Twitter.

I genuinely wonder if anyone cares how good or bad my previous year was, it all depends on your point of view. I was basically healthy, didn't suffer any bereavements or major trauma, but wouldn't say it was a great year. Looking on the bright side we all survived the Myan's predicted end of days, so yippee!

In the big scheme of things 2013 does not look great, no major fiscal positives on the horizon, religion fuelled conflicts increasing, land grab conflicts on the horizon, job insecurity, cyclists still   travelling 2-3 abreast whilst chatting, I could go on but you get the picture. With all this happening I begin to think that I should concentrate on what I can actually control, which is a scary thought to start with because ultimately you are not in control of much in the world. 

The concept of 'living off the grid' which is gaining such momentum in the US is great in theory but with 2 dependant children and a partner, and in a country like England you really are a bit of a freak and kidding your self if you think you can achieve it without a large set up budget, which means spending a lot of time in the system or 'on the grid' to earn the money to it (or win the lottery)

So I took a step back and looked at the key things I could control.

1. Smile more, sounds simple because it is and makes a marked difference.
2. Work at important relationships, they don't just happen they need effort, be it with your children, partner, friends or siblings.
3. Do more, get out, take some exercise, invest in the machine that you are and keep it well maintained and if possible improve it's performance.
4. Try something new, take a few risks, above all stimulate don't stagnate.
5. Tackle things head on, don't let arguments or conflicts fester. Deal with it, conclude the situation, move on and don't hold a grudge.
6. Plan and set realistic goals, but don't be scared of the spontaneous.
7. Be honest to yourself and others.
8. Value your life and the lives of those around you, we are only here once, so we really should make the best of it.

I'm not a believer in New Year resolutions, which is why I came to these conclusions over a period of time and have gradually been implementing them so that I and others get the benefit over time and make a real change.

Have a great new year and be glad that you will not be inundated by my blogs about the Olympics any more! I cannot guarantee the high horse will not be mounted in a crusade against selfish cyclists, overpaid footballers, injustice and devolution, but then I can't be Mr Smiley all the time can I?