As I reach middle age going into this new year with all its uncertainties and possibilities, I thought it time to take stock of what I’ve achieved and learned this past year. I’m finding that life hurtles past now at such an alarming speed, that to reflect on the past and make plans for the future is necessary to my mind, body and soul. And it’s always good to reflect on our successes, I feel.

It seems only a short time ago that this country won the bid to host the Olympic Games in 2012, and here we are already. And I STILL haven’t bought a ticket. Probably too late now and I’ll have to watch it on Telly. For my part though, the last few years have been a total change of life for me. Everything I used to believe in has been turned on its head, dissected and some of it (OK, most of it) thrown out with the rubbish. It’s taken me a long time to catch up and work out who, and where I am with myself. Taking stock includes becoming aware of how far I have come from the anxiety and depression that has dogged me for much of my life. Writing it out has helped so much. That’s how important it is to me now.

When I started blogging just over a year ago, it was never with the aim of becoming a writer, and I certainly never expected my poetry to be published. It’s definitely been a journey of sorts, and I’ve made some wonderful new friends out there in the scary virtual world, friends who encourage, praise and support. It has been my privilege to get to know them and to learn from them. They are a huge part of why I am still writing now and I thank each and every one of them.

So as my blog now passes its anniversary, I’ve decided it’s time to take the opportunity to focus on my writing. I’ve still much to learn but I have made a few plans for my year, to include an e-book, more poetry with hopefully a publication in the offing, and (if I’m lucky) a chance to earn a bit of money. That was never my aim and it’s probably unlikely, but I’ve decided it’s time to stop faffing and start DOING, and that means sitting down every day and to WRITE. After all, it’s what has helped make me, ME and I think being true to myself is what’s important to me now.

Thank you, if you’ve taken time out to read this, and I’d like to wish all of you a very happy, healthy, prosperous and successful New Year.

http://wingsoverwaters.wordpress.com/2011/12/27/taking-stock/