You may have noticed by now that each of my articles have a song title as its own title. I chose Somewhere over the Rainbow for this one because of its message about hope and new beginnings. Here, then, is my article about 2022.

As a brand-new year approaches, many of us will be thinking about how we are going to change our lives for the better. It is something to look forward to, something exciting and exhilarating after waving goodbye to another Covid riddled year. Admittedly, we are not free of Covid yet, but we are learning to make the best of a bad situation. So, what better time to start afresh than the new year. 

I certainly have my list of resolutions which seems to be increasing each time I think of another thing I want to change in my life. Are you preparing your lists too? Go ahead and do it. If nothing else, it will feel good just writing down what it is that’s going to help you be a better, healthier, or perhaps even, wealthier person. It’s the positivity that jumps out from the page as you write your list, the knowledge that this could be a reality, and the planning that comes with helping it to come true, which may keep you going and provide that much needed thrill. 

Aim to make 2022 the best year ever. Don’t doubt yourself. Believe that anything is possible, and it is down to you to make it happen. However, don’t be too hard on yourself if a blip occurs. In the words of Aaliyah, ‘if at first you don’t succeed, then dust yourself off and try again.’ No-one, no matter what anyone tells you, is perfect. You might find that sticking to your resolution is a doddle or, on the other hand, you may be required to muster up all the will power you possess. That will probably depend upon what it is you are trying to change.

There are those resolutions which come up year after year. Do any of these resonate with you?

• Losing weight/going on a diet

This is probably the one resolution that most of us will make and it won’t be the first time. It is certainly at the top of my list – as it is every year! Of course, we will wait until after Christmas so that we can stuff our faces with all the gorgeous goodies so readily at hand. Well, that is the whole point of it being a new year’s resolution, isn’t it? It is an ongoing battle for me, and I begin the year with good intentions. Eating healthy, trying to stay fit, and exercising are not just things you do for the first few months but should become habit throughout the whole year. Life, however, gets in the way. Work, stress, more recently lockdowns, and family, plus many other reasons and distractions all contribute to occasionally falling off the wagon. It is not easy. It also helps if there are other people in the house who are following the same diet plan as you. Otherwise, the temptation can be hard to resist. Salad or chips? Hmmm! And so the downward spiral begins. Don’t let it though. Stay strong in your resolve to see it through. 

• Joining a gym

This is another one of those well-meant notions. Personally, the gym is not for me but there are many of us who enjoy slogging it out on the treadmill or cross trainer. Gyms must make a fortune at the start of the year with people queuing to sign up for membership. Most of them sting you with a monthly bill without the option of cancelling before the end of the contracted period. This is fine if you stick to your schedule but can end up costing you more than you bargained for if you find you want to cancel but can’t. Hectic lifestyles and work patterns often make it difficult to maintain regular visits to the gym. Hats off to you if you can but please make sure you are aware of the terms and conditions before you make that commitment. 

• Taking up a new hobby

This is one of my favourites. It doesn’t matter if you stick to it long term or not. It’s fun to take up something that provides enjoyment and relaxation. You might decide that it’s not what you want to do but, on the other hand, it could become your newfound hobby or leisure activity. How awesome would it be to discover that this has led to something even more fruitful. Take for example, a friend of mine who took a few art lessons. These led to her exploring this interest further. She has since written a book about creating your own art and sells it on Amazon. A hobby can turn into a business. It just depends on what your vision is. 

 Giving up smoking

This is a tough one. Even making the decision to stop smoking takes determination and strength. Once reached, the anxiety sets in. You set that date when you will have your last cigarette and, as it approaches, you have doubts about whether you can live without it. Any addiction takes courage and heaps of willpower to give up. The healthline website says that ‘nicotine creates pleasant feelings in your body and mind. When you use tobacco, your brain releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine, the feel-good chemical. This creates a brief feeling of contentment and pleasure.’ Of course, anyone who has tried to stop or wants to stop smoking already knows that there is plenty of help available. After you have your last cigarette, the effects of the nicotine will stay in the body depending on how much and how long you have been a smoker. It’s also a fact that smoking is associated with physical actions which make it harder to stop the craving. Triggers such as drinking, socialising, a particular place or time, and even food, are best avoided when trying to quit. It will never be easy to stop smoking but, I know for a fact, it can be done. This is the best new year’s resolution you will make. Not only will it save you money but it will significantly improve your health too. 

I hope you have had lots of fun this Christmas despite the new restrictions. May the New Year bring you success and happiness. Stay safe everyone and a Very Happy New Year.