Okay so technically as a pagan the new year began for me just over a week ago with the Solstice but as I had no computer it passed by rather quietly. I have to say in some ways I believe the Mayans had it right for me personally as the dates for their end of the world and the pagan year end were in time with each other but I think we misinterpreted their meaning. I say this because this new year I really do feel like it is the end of one way of life and the beginning of a new one which I am really excited about.
In 2012 with the help of friends around the world who I have never met in person I found the self belief and confidence to actually believe in my own ability as a writer. I have written a specific writing resolutions post to be published tomorrow so I won’t go into that too much here but let me say I am very excited about the projects and aims I have set for the next year.
One area which has suffered this year is reading anything other than blogs, I really do need to remedy that in the future and although I hate reading by numbers I think setting a target of reading 20 pages a day of which ever book I have on the go is realistic, if all else fails I will read them while laying in the bath.
My blog which I envisioned as a sort of online journal which I only expected myself and a few friends to be interested in has become so much more. You have provided a sounding board for my ideas, an audience for my stories, I have met people who have become not only friends but teachers showing me ways to improve my own work. There is a preconception about the writer as a lonely, hermit locked away with a typewriter isolated in their own world, well maybe that applies to those for whom financial success has altered their way of life but I think the blogosphere shows in full technicolour glory the bonds of friendship, respect and comradeship is alive and well within this community.
In real life I am lucky that I will start this new year in many ways far healthier than I have the last few, my surgery has been a success (touch wood) though I am still in recovery stages as I work on getting the muscles working again, I have stopped smoking even though I still really really want one which is weird considering the smell now makes me feel sick. But also I cannot help but think about those for whom the past year has not been so considerate of, poor little Charlie whose trial treatment failed to deliver the miracle we all hoped for, now the family are left facing a very bleak new year unless the power of prayer can provide a miracle. It would be easy to lose faith at a time like this but it is the very time when one must draw strength from them Charlie as you know was given weeks to live a couple of months ago yet he is still here and fighting, there is an amazing young lady named Alice Payne who has been fighting off this disease and refusing to let it beat her for over twelve months now. It is the most we can do to hold on to each day as it passes and pray it brings these children closer to a cure which surely must be found to combat this terrible disease. Children teach us what it really means to appreciate life, they do not know that they should be defeated by this thing which has invaded their bodies, they do not know they should fear it and this gives them the very strength to keep fighting unlike adults they have not learned to give up.
I am determined to make the most of every day and to raise some funds for both the Charlie fund and for the other charity close to my heart The Joseph Salmon Trust which helps families who are struck by the terrible tragedy of losing a child. Will I make thousands for either probably not but I do believe every penny counts and if I make a hundred pounds or so for each then I will be contented.
I know this has ended up as a far more serious post than I ever intended it to be so if you have read down this far may I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year and hope your wildest dreams may come to fruition.
My highlight of 2012….all of you guys coming into my life.
Hmmm… I haven’t included charities in my plans so far, I think I should. Thank you for sharing, Paula, and Happy New Year! Hope your 2013 is blossoming roses, many blessings and much love to you.. 🙂
Subhan Zein
LikeLike
both of those I have mentioned are only small charities yet they have done so much for others despite dealing with the most heartbreaking experiences of their own, I really would recommend finding a local charity or one which is personal to your family and doing something even if it is only buying or selling raffle tickets for them, I speak from experience when i say you really do get a good feeling knowing you are helping someone else 😀
LikeLike
I am very glad to have met you!
LikeLike
Happy New Year, Paula!
LikeLike
(((((Hugs)))))
A lots happened to you this year honey! Onwards and upwards yeah? 😉
Happy New Year Paula! Hope it’s a good one 😉
Xx
LikeLike
I have a feeling it will be I cannot remember going into a new year feeling so strong and positive in a long while 😀 Hope you have a great year as well xxxxx
LikeLike
I’m feeling exactly the same! The power of the blogging community perhaps 😉
Xx
LikeLike
Happy New Year, Paula! I hope that 2013 is a year full of positive moments for you.
You spoke briefly of other bloggers becoming your teachers and, if I might add, for me you have certainly acted as one this year. Thank you! I’m very glad to have met you.
LikeLike
belated happy new year Paula! the consensus seems to be that we were reaching the end of the mayan calendar not the end of the world, so your comment about it being a new start is apt. and i liked your point about writing being a community. OK we have to do the actual writing part alone, but the rest of the time we have support and reassurance from around the world.
All the best for 2013 🙂
LikeLike
and congrats on 300 posts too!
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
I’m so glad to hear your surgery was a success (touch wood). Happy New Year to you, sweet Paula!
LikeLike
Happy New Year Paula, hope it’s a great one
LikeLike
Love it Paula. Happy New Year and Happy 300th Post.
LikeLike
Happy New Year and boy do I feel lazy when I read your posts!
LikeLike
I maintain the bath is the best time and place for reading – not a last resort.
LikeLike
unless you are reading your kindle and prone to dozing in the bath lol
LikeLike