Happy new year!

As 2017 draws to a close, what will you take with you into 2018 and what will you gladly leave behind?

2017 was a year of highs and lows, as I'm sure it was for many of you. I met some amazing people, both on courses I ran and events I attended. Participants became friends and as we all become more connected it is clear to see our common humanity, despite the news headlines. This year I have experienced compassion, kindness, understanding, generosity, gentleness, and humour as well as encouragement, celebration, and sometimes a little prodding in the right direction, both from people I know and some people I don't know but are connected to through social media.

During the summer months, I was able to spend a lot of time in nature, which was both nourishing and restorative, bringing with it a new gratitude for life, for seasons, for beginnings and endings.

Last month, I lost my mum - this was a time of great sadness, but also of relief and joy for all she had been to us. The sadness is on the part of our family - she was ready to go and had said her goodbyes. The relief was that she no longer has to suffer or depend on others (something she hated) and joy is as we look back on her life and the huge part she played in shaping us.

As we head towards 2018 I will not be making resolutions as such, but will move forward with a gentleness towards myself, which I have found through my mindfulness practice. I look forward to sharing more with those of you who have attended my courses/tasters/workshops and drop ins, as well as meeting new participants and collaborating with many more creative practitioners. Thank you all for being a part of my life.

Enjoy the celebrations, pause and take everything in. Wishing you all a very prosperous and healthy 2018.

Go well.

Collette

At the end of the year