Cheers to a happy and healthy 2018

I hope that you had a great Christmas and New Year. I know I might sound late to the party, but I hope you have missed me enough to keep on reading and supporting me through 2018. I also hope that we have a healthy and happy New year together. I understand the photo might not look so healthy, but it is all about balance and OMG my fish and chips were immense! I say this with a heavy heart, after some of the sad news I heard over the festive period.  I do not want to dwell on that though, as I want to start my blog with positivity and happiness.

What did I do this Christmas?

So as you may know I went home to the lovely North East of England for Christmas and New Year this year.  I always go home for Christmas, but New Year is normally celebrated in The Netherlands, so I was extra happy this year. I can safely say I have loved every minute of it, even the crowded shops, festive tensions and spending a small fortune could not put a dampener on it. I was able to spend real quality time with my family and see some of my friends and generally remember why I love the people and the place. I was even motivated enough to go for nice runs along the beach, something that was a huge reminder of how far I came last year since starting to run. I can be seen as looking back through rose tinted glasses and I guess I kind of am, but I am happy with that, as it shows I can be positive, sometimes I feel like a Debbie downer.

Leaving is always hard

The one time that broke my heart and made me  cry like a child, was when I said my goodbyes and journeyed back to The Netherlands, may I add in storm Eleanor. We always go with the car for Christmas, so we can take presents and cheese (I love cheese). Then on the return journey we have our presents and I buy loads of British food I can’t buy here in NL, things like Bisto gravy, stuffing and the likes.  This time I have to say I excelled myself and there was a small moment of panic where we weren’t sure it would all fit in the car. Pulling away from the coastline and people I love is always so hard. I thought it would get easier over time, but it has actually gotten harder.  I feel blessed to have been able to spend that much needed time with my family and friends, but I still don’t feel it was enough, I still want more. People think I am crazy and should be living the dream, but this time of year just makes you realise all the more what and who is important and that this life is so short and you can’t take anything for granted, or waste time. Time and love are way too precious.

I received so many lovely Christmas presents, one of which I am going to start to read very soon as I heard so much about this book and saw an interview with the author. The book is called “Solve for Happy”, written by Mo Gawdat, so I am looking forward to seeing what his secret is. I will let you know what I think. The reason I wanted this book, was not only the inspirational story behind this, (please Google the author to read his story. It will make you think) but I feel I need to use 2018 to look after me and what I want, to make some important decisions for my future. What my future holds I am not sure, but I know I am the one in charge of it and have to take the bull by the horns if I am to make any improvements. I am also wanting to try and write on a more consistent basis, so I can keep in touch with you. As you know I am always here to receive any questions, or feedback from you. Now let’s cheers to a happy and healthy 2018 together!