Another fresh start. Yes, another new year is here again – so soon! Another chance to review and renew ourselves, maybe to even reshape our lives…….

Perhaps ‘reshaping’ is a bit grandiose, but it is a good time to reflect on last year’s endeavours and to recall the successes and the happy times. There’s usually nothing to be gained by dwelling on the rough spots we encountered along last year’s journey; but, as we leave 2023 behind, it is useful to pause and remember those aspects and activities of our life which worked well and resolve to avoid the others in the coming new year!

Of course, many of life’s slings and arrows can’t be dodged. You and I both managed to survive most of the hurtful ones, didn’t we? I consider myself a ‘glass half full’ person and try to focus on the good stuff, rather than wallow in self-pity – mostly…. The important lesson from last year’s activities is not to repeat the failed ones as we plan our life ahead in the New Year.

Last year there were some personal missteps – travelling alone was probably my worst. I am blessed with comparative good health and last year I had resolved to travel as much as I could afford and cope with, and I chose a cruise. I thought shipboard cruising would tick all the boxes for me, and in the main, it did. It was almost successful and enjoyable, but not quite; it was lonely! So, for this new year, I resolved, while I am well enough, to try some different approaches to travel – to go somewhere on dry land and stay put!

Then, before the new year arrived, I had a surprise invitation to have Christmas overseas! One of my sons and his wife have been renovating a home in the South Island of New Zealand and they invited me to share their first Christmas on the island. I was able to fly direct, from Melbourne to Queenstown, which certainly lessened the travel fatigue. I had been a bit apprehensive at the prospect of lengthy waiting periods at the airport, but reading an enjoyable book and having only carry-on baggage was a significant help! Crowd-watching, a cup of coffee and a casual chat with fellow travellers always helps, too.

I was delighted to be able to join my family for the festive occasion, and we had a great time together. Despite there still being plenty of their home renovation work to do, they kindly spared this old man from any hard yakka! They took me on drives to see some of the incredible scenic places in that picturesque island! It was easy travel for me – and having accommodation with family made it such a special treat. The weather and the scenery were spectacular, and they made sure I had a happy and memorable start to the new year!

Life’s like that. Our journey is always more enjoyable when shared, and when our life partner is no longer with us we certainly miss that companionship. Although my dear Dorothy can’t be with me now, I will continue to travel when I can, and at all other times try to stay connected and enjoy the company of my family and friends. There is so much disruption and distress in so many places, and so I exhort you to pray with me that peace and harmony will prevail in this troubled world.

And look, it’s 2024 already! So, let’s keep looking ahead, savouring the journey, stopping to smell the roses (a lot), and plotting the next adventure, ever moving while we can …..