To say 2012 was a roller coaster of a year would be the understatement of the century. Over the last 12 months I have experienced highs and lows more extreme than I think I have ever experienced in my life.
It is difficult for me to think of the last twelve months without dwelling on that one week in June that both made and marred this year. Within 48 hours I had carried the Olympic torch through Lincoln and lost my father in law after a short illness. There is no explaining the emotional ecstasy and depression that I dealt with, and still deal with now over both of those experiences.
It’s actually quite hard to remember what else happened. I have to consciously think about it. Those two events, along with the loss of my Granddad just a couple of weeks later, have taken over my memory. But there were other things. Lots of them. We took the motorbikes for a ride around Scotland, we returned to Florida for a couple of weeks of Mickey-fuelled fun, I ticked off lots more things off my big list, took part in my first photography exhibition, I completed both the London Moonwalk and the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge within seven days and did 2012 km walking/cycling etc during the year. I should read back through my blog as most of these moments have been recorded here – the very reason I started Splodz Blogz in the first place was to have somewhere to write my memories down.
At the start of 2012 I wrote about my wish to make it my “get outdoors” year. I can safely say I’ve grown to love the great outdoors even more this year for sure, and have enjoyed that. It was a pretty good resolution I have to say, one that has given me lots of things to do and lots of things to look back on. The getting outdoors will not stop, that is a part of my life I never want to go away.
But what for 2013? I’m still considering whether to take on another 2012 km in 2012 style challenge, maybe more on that in a few days, I’m not sure. We are planning the Graham Homes Memorial Ride so I might concentrate on that this year.
Resolution wise, though, I want 2013 to be the year I am true to myself. What does that mean? Well it means I will look after myself better, get fit and eat more healthy, get more sleep, and concentrate on doing things I enjoy and being with people I like. 2013 will be all about me and my family. I’m not sure quite how that will show itself in reality – things like cooking more meals from scratch, doing lots of walking, spending money on quality rather than quantity, focusing more at home and work and being more organised, being a better friend to those I know I’ve forgotten about, that sort of thing. Basically, I want to get to the end of 2013 being much more sure of myself and happy with who I am.
As we move into 2013 I will say the same thing I say every year, every day even…
Life is all about the journey. Do something with yours. Lean around each twist and turn with expectation. Remember the things you have seen and felt but don’t dwell on them too much. Never forget the people who have made you who you are, and do your best to be the best you can be. Take 2013 by the hand and walk through it with a spring in your step, making memories to last a lifetime.
Here goes!