It’s day one of a bright new shiny year. Representing a clean slate and the possibility of the start of a better way of life. One with more joy, contentment and fulfillment. We resolve to let go of our bad habits and adopt healthier, more altruistic and time effective ways of getting through everyday. It’s a good feeling to know that we have this power to change and ..boy, do we! But be kind to yourself. It’s far better to change something small than to overestimate your limits and be simmering with self loathing by March having long thrown the towel in. Make small changes in your life that make you happy. If you do only one thing this new year resolve to make time for that things that bring you happiness, I mean real deep down contentment- not fleeting excitement, and the rest will fall into place. For me that happiness comes from living a hands-on, creative life, connected with the natural world. Taking the time to leave my computer monitor to tend the garden, walk the sea shore, experience birdsong, the breeze on my face and the smell of gorse flowers. These are all perfectly achievable and more productive to my wellbeing than the cyber dawdling I so frequently get drawn into. So my resolution will be to dedicate more hours a week to outdoorsy pursuits. If you don’t know what makes you happy resolve to make 2013 the year you find out.
If you are reading this the chances are that your green conscience has already been pricked. So what have you resolved to change this year? If we all change something small for the better of the environment, our combined effort will have noticeable results. No matter how meagre that promise is, whether to recycle more, buy more local produce, reduce your use of chemicals, take up knitting…. I guarantee it all makes a difference. As I write this the sun is warming my back, luring me outside. Starting as I mean to go on I will finish up my ramblings here but before I go I wish you and yours a very happy 2013!
greenjamjar.com 
Happy New Year. I will be with you in spirit as you walk along the shore.
You are so right. Small, achievable things that actually make you happy rather than big, ‘ought to do’ resolutions that you resent – that’s the way to go.
For me 2012’s resolution was ‘make good cheese from our own milk’ and that was a complex process that began with getting our goat in kid, seeing her safely through her pregnancy, becoming reasonably adept at milking as well as the actual cheese-making process. Like you, it is the feeling of contentment that makes it worthwhile – from the playing with the world’s cutest baby goat, to sitting beside Luna up against her flank and singing ‘goat inspired songs’ (don’t ask) while the milk flows, or enjoying delicious fried halloumi or yummy cheesecake with good friends in our kitchen. Every step has added to my quality of life.
Aw Belinda that’s fabulous! I just wish you still lived just up the road from me. I would love to have a cheese making mentor. I hope you and Peter have an even more inspiring and contented 2013! Maybe you’ll blog/write a book about adventures on your smallholding……..; )
Great post!
I am pledging to spend less time online and more time nurturing real friendships & community in 2013 (first step has been deactivating Facebook)
On the environmental front, I am continuing to try & reduce the amount of STUFF that I buy, and not buying any new clothes especially.
Happy New Year to you!
FB can really eat up your time! Good luck with the resolutions. I’m finding the challenge of not buying new clothes difficult especially in the January sales… I must be strong! ; ))
Small changes do add up, quickly. By the way, I LOVE your illustrations. Happy New Year
Thanks Kerry! And a very Happy New Year to you and your family- still livin the simple life we all crave!
Hi Karen,
Lovely photo,
Catherine Stafford
VTOS Student
Margaret says “Hi”
Hi Catherine, so glad you like my photo! Have a lovely day and tell Margaret I said helloooooo!
Wow what a beautiful photo , is this Rosslare ? We are spoiled in the Sunny South East.Yes I love to walk the Beach as well and the Forest in Curracloe.It has inspired me to write some poems.We need to start appreciating this wonderful planet before it is too late.I have been looking through some of your blogs and I think you are a very gentle soul.Keep writing.Margaret speaks very highly of you.
Regards
Caroline Berry
Yes it is Rosslare Strand- the Burrow. Well spotted Caroline! Looking forward to reading some of your poetry on your new blog! : )
Hi Mizz Winkens,
My new blog is carberry.simplesite.com