I often complain that the world is too fast, that businesses rush their staff around the country and the world and work doesn't allow for family time - that everything is just too fast and this is leading to stress and anxiety. Just recently I realised that I am as guilty of that as everyone else. My husband often tells me to just sit down and read a book and stop bustling about, stop volunteering for things, stop trying to do everything perfectly. I say that I have to complete the day's tasks and still feel a failure - Why? Because it is impossible to achieve perfection - in anything, and why would we want to?
My mother had a saying - 'The Dust Will Be There Tomorrow' - she was right. I get stressed and worried that everything isn't getting done. When what doesn't get done can be done later. This year I shall live by my Dad's phrase 'A house should be clean enough to be healthy and messy enough to be home.'
A big clear out of books and DVDs will help ease the work and restock the charity shops. There is decorating to be done but it will be done in a paced manner not charged at in the first month.
There will be more time allocated for walks and cycling. I love doing these things but have become house based and social media addicted. I shall get out more this year and breathe fresh air. I stress that our teenager has hit the 'don't get me out of bed before 3' stage. She is nearly 18 and doesn't have to come with me. If she doesn't want to get up, then she can stay, just like every kid her age around the country. Hills, woods, moors and coast - here I come.
There will be more time for my tai chi and zhan zhuang workouts, So many days I have missed practice because 'there isn't time anymore' When there is time I am calmer, I accomplish more and realise that a day that starts with a workout is easier. A world of relaxation and strength awaits.
I shall be spending much more time in my garden from now onwards. I love my garden. It is one of the most relaxing places there is, I love working there and I have some very big plans for it this year. I am really looking forward to summer tea in my new masterpiece.
On days when I am indoors there will be more time for reading, music and enjoying time with my family. The children grow so quickly I want to treasure every moment. The time with my husband when he is not at work is to be cherished and I intend to do just that. Cherish them all.
So, the New Year will not be filled with just housework, though that needs to be done. I shall be saying no more often when asked to do things. I'll still be walking the dog, going to football and martial arts classes but I shall be spacing everything else out and ensuring plenty of time for meditation, relaxation, and, of course, visits to my beautiful beach.
In short I have woken up and smelled the daisies (my favourite flower), realised that I have let my life become too busy and too fast, which is stressful and not good for my family or myself. I am taking time for me this year and that will mean extra time for my lovely family - and, hopefully, a much calmer wife and mother.
A Happy New Year to you all. Take time to slow down your lives a little and make some time for yourselves - you are worth it and, if you are happier, then everybody wins.
