Happy 2014!

I love the start of a new year.

The days here are long, pleasantly warm and the weather is largely predictable. People are generally relaxed after the rush of the Christmas season. Many New Zealanders take some time to go camping and to go to the beach. It’s time for lazy picnics outdoors with friends, BBQs, berry ciders, fresh fruit and sunsets.

I love people making New Year’s resolutions.

For a long time, I was skeptical about New Year’s resolutions. I didn’t make any and I thought it silly when other people made them. I’ve totally changed my mind now. Even if people try and fail, there’s a sense that they’re reflecting on what’s important, what they need to work on and what they’d like to change. There’s hope and anticipation. For those who had a hard 2013, there’s an opportunity for a form of closure on that chapter of their lives. I look back on the New Year’s resolutions I’ve made in the past and they’ve been worthwhile.

I love reading.

Two years ago I decided to read 52 books in a year. I got there far more quickly than I had ever imagined. Reading has once again become a big part of my life that for years was pushed to the side. I love reading: it’s relaxing and makes me think and feel. I love working with authors – whether they’re a blogger or an author in the more traditional sense of the word. I love that reading provides a window into a completely different person’s life and thought process.

I love writing.

This is something I’m going to be working on doing more of this year so that it becomes a natural habit. It’s one of my New Year’s resolutions. When I have a lot on my schedule, it’s easy for my writing to be limited to simple status updates which don’t ever get to the depth that longer form writing can. So, I’ve committed to writing on my side project, Parcel Joy and to writing more here on this blog. I’m also writing in two paper notebooks. I’ve long had a love for writing on paper and I don’t want everything I do to be keyboard-based. One is a gratitude journal – I was inspired by the beautifully poetic book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are to start this. The other is an ideas notebook that my children gave me for Christmas. The hard part is writing the first page of such a gorgeous book!

And… deep breath: I’ve long talked about writing a book related to blogging and it’s about time I do it. It’s easier than ever to publish a book but I’m under no illusions that finding an audience is easy. I’ve made a start already and will keep you updated on its progress – I’d love for your input so if you’re interested in knowing a little more about what I’m up to, please email me.

A very, very Happy 2014 to you!