I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination...

It's winter here. 

And right this minute it is absolutely tipping down with rain

and very jolly cold. But the fire is going and I'm in my pjs.

We are just past Matariki and it's time to make plans for the new year.

The house does seem smaller in the winter somehow.

Firstly we are all in it so much of the time.

There are bikes parked here and there inside, there is always a basket of laundry

or two in a corner, and the dog keeps disembowelling his toys on the mat.

Also the fire creates a whole other layer of dust and clutter.

I have been trying to tidy up here and there and re-organise spaces.

I read somewhere that it helps with the winter blues.

It does work I think, it just feels continuous.

Recently I went to the doctor because I had been feeling grim for a while.

I also had a stress test at the hospital.

I'm being treated for angina and waiting to see a cardiologist.

Let me just say that it focussed my mind quick sharp.

So as a result, I'm making some changes in my life for the rest of the year

so that I can work on getting healthy.

and thanks to the generosity of my work, 

I have a bit of extra time in my day and my week, which is amazing.

It turns out that you can make hard choices 

when you have to, especially when the alternative could be unpleasant.

I'm going to reduce stress, get some more exercise

and make changes to stick around for the long haul.

Another thing I want to do, is dust off this old blog.

Writing regularly has always been good for me

and so here I am again.

 So here I am, sitting by the fire in my pjs.

My life is about finishing things off right now

and starting some new things too.

It's about having peace that it will all be ok

while being brave enough to make the changes necessary.