Return to writing xxx

I love Christmas, I truly do, it’s a magical time of year, however it brings with it a rollercoaster of emotions and cold weather germs. 

This year nothing was more giving than the Norovirus which was not content with sharing the love once, but went round our family twice! I wouldn’t mind so much if I’d lost more that 2lbs! The amount of time spent in the bathroom does not feel proportionate! 

I had jotted down some notes for a blog over Christmas, but they don’t make much sense now. They did remind me that I got woken up Christmas Eve by Harry requesting a cup of tea in his sleep. His first word Christmas Day was Sigma and Ollie cheered that it was 2025 and I had to correct him on which thing we were actually celebrating. Bit of a result if you think it’s the new year and find out it actually Christmas! Oh and did have a chuckle that about 7pm Lee suddenly looked up from what he was doing with the realisation I’d forgotten the prawn cocktail starter of our Christmas dinner. We were all agreed it was bloomin’ delicious anyway so that was a Brucie bonus! 

Anyway, we’re now in 2025 and I’ve got to say it’s not too shabby so far. Well one would hope not with it only being the 11th January. 

I haven’t written in ages so I’m trying to get back into the swing of it as it’s a form of therapy for me. I believe this will be more of a reflection piece but between you and I, I’m flying by the seat of my pants here and just not feeling it!

So, news years resolutions, not revolutions as I previously believed. It turns out I completed two out of four last year, shame it wasn’t two out of three because I could have linked it to a Meatloaf song. 

Obviously we have the usual lose weight, but that’s been there since 1989 and unfortunately I’m not even joking! 

They talk of the vicious circle, but I would like a positive circle, one sec, let me just check if that’s a thing already. Turns out there is a virtuous cycle in economics where  : a chain of events in which one desirable occurrence leads to another which further promotes the first occurrence and so on resulting in a continuous process of improvement. I totally plagiarised that from the Oxford Dictionary so sue me!

So what should I chuck onto that wheel to set the positive cycle a spinning? Sleep! I used to believe in the motto “sleep when I’m dead”, but less so with age! 

More sleep leads to more energy which leads to positive outcomes. 

Diet! Not in let’s beat ourselves with it, this is a positive wheel. Keto has been working wonders for me and it is delicious so we’ll stick with that. 

Exercise! I have a static bike and an Alexa in the conservatory. 10 minutes a day is good for the old muscoskeketal stuff and produces happy endorphins. Whilst 10 minutes a day is nothing, it’s not realistic so let’s start with 4 times a week and build on it. Ooh yay, I’ve done 3 already this week so one more tomorrow and I’ve hit target! See, feeling better already. 

I’d like to be kinder and more patient with the boys and well, everyone. I think this is linked to the sleep for sure but maybe I could incorporate THINK before you speak. T- is it true? H – is it helpful? I – is it inspirational? N – is it necessary? K – is it kind? Will give it a go, will certainly help with the self esteem if I’m not being a meanie to others. 

Fun! Yes, that needs to be there! More fun is always needed. Something to look forward to each month. Another fun memory photo to be added to our board. We have a few boards up in the dining room that are empty at the beginning of the year and get filled up with memories throughout the year to be taken down at New Year and stored in an album. So, we went to see Queen of The Night last night. A tribute to Whitney and it was brilliant. Time with my scrummy hubby all to myself and a sing-a-long feel good extravaganza. We have Strictly live show to look forward to next month and holiday the month after so this is in full swing but needs to be kept up. 

Yes I’m liking this. Think I will get the boys to create one each too. What will we call it? Virtuous Circle is a bit of a mouth full and a bit grown up for my liking. Posiwheel sounds too much like suppository! Or potty! 

OH MY GOSH I THINK WE HAVE IT! 

Now bear with me. I consulted my best friend (Google) for another word for positive and another word for circle. Then another word for happy and came across an expression I’ve never heard before Cock-a-hoop which means adjective

1. extremely and obviously pleased, especially about an achievement.”the team is cock-a-hoop at winning its first game of the season”
   

Well if that doesn’t punch you in the face and cover all bases, nothing will! 

And so the Cock-a-Hoop is born, a new family tradition to be done at the beginning of the year to inspire and fill myself and my children with positive affirmations for the year ahead. Also, my boys are 8 and love rude words so I’m guessing the name will appeal to them on more levels than myself. 

Right, the writing worked, I’m back baby and off to walk the dogs and get some sunlight because I is completely solar powered. 

Love and hugs and a very happy new year to you all xxx