At the time of writing I’m 52. It’s an honour to grow older. I love it.

I am more confident, more outgoing, less afraid, and have found ways of speaking to situations and people I am not happy about, in a blunt way, without being mean.

I have NO idea why I have been thinking about being in my 20’s and 30’s so much, but I have. I was low in confidence and very often bullied in with workplace, and sometimes by people I thought were friends (they’re not in my phone book anymore). I don’t have regrets, but would I have done things differently? Yes.

I would have liked myself more, I wouldn’t have slagged off my 20/30 year old body, I would have hated my figure less, I would have worried about grey hair a lot less. I would have cared less what other people thought of me, and not been so much of a Santas helper.

I think that working in hospitality for some 20 plus years did that to me. Bartending is a passion and addictive, but looking back, I would have got out sooner, and believed in myself more to pursue what I really wanted to do (clue: I’m doing it now). I was out walking round Aberdeen over Christmas. If you haven’t been, it’s a beautiful city. Archibald Simpson at his finest, and nothing beats a 6K walk along the beach front.

I took my sister on a detour, and went up Windmill Brae where a bar called Henry J Beans used to be. It was THEE place to be and be seen, and I worked there for about 18 months.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Every Friday the offshore bags would be piled up at the front door after the crew changes, and the place was literally jumping. Was working 4 til close 5 days a week good for me? No. It was fun though and I look back on certain aspects and certain people I met, fondly. I learned how to speak to people, and work as part of team, and I also learned how NOT to speak to people.

I came out of working in hospitality when I was 40 because my role was made redundant. I am now doing the job I was always meant to do. Sometimes you literally do just need a shove. If you don’t make a move, I really do believe that the universe will just get naffed off waiting, and make the move for you.

So, wherever you are in life. Say a huge, huge thank you. Everything really is a learning experience and be grateful for it, whatever it is. Sometimes it’s really difficult to be in a horrible situation and see the good in it. If that is you, I’m sorry.

Like your 35 year old (I just plucked that average age out of thin air) MORE. Like your hair more, like the way your jeans fit you more. If you want to make a change, be prepared to change your routine.

In the new year, people LOVE a transformation, but hate having to change to get there. That’s the tough part. what small thing can you do every day, to get you closer to your desired result?

Thus endeth the New Year post.

I have had a good and proper break this Christmas and New Year as my laptop wasn’t talking to me, and it needed a new keyboard so today is the first day I have got it back!

Woohoo!

I hope you enjoyed this post. I enjoyed writing it.

Onward. x