It’s another New Year.  If I’m really honest (truth be told), I hate New Year. I hate all the drinking and jollity, the expectations that are rarely realised, the opportunity it provides for us to consider our missed opportunities and failed resolutions.

Ta-ra, see ya, ain't gonna miss ya!

Good Riddance 2011   - But not this year, because 2011 is a year I will be delighted to see the back of.  I’ve had more than enough of 2011.

Of course with every down there is an up, but personally and professionally 2011 has been a year I don’t wish to repeat, ever; too much sadness, stress and loss.  You will have read in my 2011 rants that life in the residential rehab sector has been a hot political potato and being bounced around has been no fun at all.

Me and Marge in 2012

Queen Marge and her Annus Horriblis - I never usually attend New Year bashes, but this I started the new year dressed as Marge Simpson – complete with blue hair at a ‘90s themed New Year’s Eve party! With my husband, daughter and her boyfriend I savoured every moment of the end of the “annus horribilis” that was 2011.

No Resolutions- I have not set any resolutions for 2012 other than to try really hard to be less judgmental and controlling and to not get quite so stressed.

These are objectives I consider achievable – Maybe.  If I manage to lose 2 stone that will be such a bonus, but it won’t be an objective – because that would just tip my balance, making me a stressed, controlling and really not nice person to be around.

“I do the very best I know how, the very best I can and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.”

Abraham Lincoln

But Ranting continues – So, this year my lovelies I plan to be altogether a nicer person to be around.  I can’t promise I won’t still rant and rave and be extremely self-righteous on matters of social injustice, discrimination and stigma, but I shall be calmer and more patient. Humph, and there was me not planning to set up unrealistic resolutions!

Happy New Year - a healthy, calm and peaceful 2012 to all