New Beginnings

Christina here, having a quiet first day of the year. As is the custom, I stayed up late last night, but we had fairly low-key celebrations so I’m not too tired. Also, I’m a night owl and going to bed late (or early in the morning depending on how you look at it) is nothing unusual for me.

The first day of the new year signifies a new beginning, a chance to start over or do things differently, but I’m not feeling the need to start right away. I don’t make new year’s resolutions, but I do have some planned changes, such as going on a diet, walking more, and having a good clear-out to make space in my house. It’s nothing that needs to be done immediately, though. Right now I still have family staying for the holidays and real life can take a backseat for a few more days.

This afternoon we’ll probably go for a walk – a relaxing way to start the year. We are lucky enough to live surrounded by fields and a small river. There are sheep in some of the fields, but they’re not too bothered by us. I love watching them mooch around, the bucolic scene is peaceful and calming. In contrast, the little river is fast-flowing this time of year – a combination of meltwater from the nearby Welsh mountains and all the rain we’ve been having recently. I find it soothing and mesmerising to stand on its banks and contemplate it.

I’ve never been big on exercise, but a gentle walk I can manage. And walking, whether on your own or with others, is a great way to clear out the mental cobwebs. There’s something special about ambling along, surrounded by nature (even in its slumbering winter state), and with the background chorus of birds. Last time we spotted three buzzards circling overhead, floating effortlessly on the wind. It was a majestic sight. And there are always ravens cawing in the background, sometimes having aerial battles with groups (a murder?) of crows.

How about you – will you be hunkering down indoors today, or venturing outside for some gentle exercise? Start on your new year’s resolutions or chill out by the fire? However you spend this first day of January, I and the other Wenches wish you a prosperous, happy and healthy new year!

 

Comments

[Anne Gracie]

Your walk sounds wonderfully bucolic, Christina. It's very hot here today, so I'm inside with the aircon going. Started the day with some early morning gardening and watering and weeding and then came inside to get stuck into my current book. Jotted down a few plans for the future, but not really resolutions, just thoughts. All the best for 2023.

[Mick Arnold]

Yes, a nice gentle walk may be in order here too. However, I only dragged myself out of bed an hour and a half ago, so may have to wait until tomorrow. lol.
A very Happy New Year to you, and the rest of the Wenches!

[Christina Courtenay]

Thank you Anne, and I wish you a wonderful 2023 as well! It will be a while before I can go outside and do anything but doing more gardening is definitely on my to-do list for this year.

[Christina Courtenay]

Thank you Mick - a very happy new year to you! It's always good to take it easy on the first day of the year. Enjoy your walk whenever you go!

[Andrea Penrose]

A walk is key for keeping me on a even keel, and I've made it part of my daily routine. Like you, I love watching Nature—the birds, the light on a fild or body of water. It makes me happy and always puts the the niggly problems of the moment in perspective. Have a wonderful walk today, and Happy New Year, everyone!

[Christina Courtenay]

Thank you Andrea - enjoy your walk and happy new year to you!

[Teresa Broderick]

Sounds like an idyllic day Christina. It's raining here, heavily and we've had thunder. Had a nice dinner and just lounged around the tv watching the darts. It's a tradition in our house now. My son stopped watching them some years ago but my daughter and I love them. My husband is watching films in another room:)
Back to reality this week!!!

[Christina Courtenay]

I’m glad you’re having a peaceful relaxing day Teresa - best wishes for a great new year!

[Molly R. Moody]

We hit 79oF today so I've been inside all day, and we're due to hit 78o for our high tomorrow. I need to go out tomorrow and with the predicted high I'll head out in the morning. I don't do resolutions but my one goal is to keep track of all the books I read to see how many I actually get through in the year. I've got a journal from Deborah Raney that I need to find so I can log in what I read this year.

[Christina Courtenay]

That sounds like a great plan Molly! I keep track of my reading with Goodreads but I too want to make a list at home. Good luck!

[Kareni]

Your walk sounds lovely, Christina! (I don't think my walk to Wal-Mart earlier was quite as scenic....)

Wishing you, the Word Wenches, and all a happy and healthy 2023!

[Christina Courtenay]

Thank you very much, Kareni - a very happy and healthy new year to you too!

[Annette N]

I hope everyone has a wonderful 2023. Happy New Start!

[Christina Courtenay]

Thank you Annette - a very happy new year to you too!