I have to make a bit of an admission.

In my first ever blog two years ago, I extolled the virtues of having a to-do list for the whole year, rather than a list of self-imposed restrictions. Well… at the time of writing that entry I had also recently finished reading Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald and I was inspired enough by the story’s protagonist Dick Diver to have more repose throughout the year. Repose, in effect, became my mantra for 2015.

Whether I was successful is difficult to judge. I can safely say there were plenty of moments when I had zero repose (getting irate with a breakdown mechanic in the Scottish Borders springs to mind). I am certain, however, that the exercise of trying to abide by this mantra across a whole year had a positive effect on my behaviour and personality and I still carry a little more repose in my actions now than I did previously.

My mantra for 2016 was inspired by another literary figure: Jean Valjean. It is pretty difficult not to read Les Misérables and be struck by his determination to live by his principles. So I tried to be more Jean Valjean and go through the year acting with more conviction. It’s safe to say that I found this an easier task but my mantra always spurred me on and reminded me on a daily basis of the person I wish to be.

The admission I have to make is that I have started to find to-do lists disheartening. I still make them, but putting a timeframe on them can leave me a little too dispirited as the year comes to a close. I think this is a natural consequence of annual reflection so I’ve decided this year not to subject myself to it. I will still ongoingly make lists and strive to work through them but my focus has shifted towards how I do things, not just what I do and when I do them.

This year, I have been inspired by yet another fictional character but perhaps not one so high-brow! In 2017, I want to be more like Phil Dunphy, the high-spirited and joyful dad in the TV-series Modern Family. Fun is my mantra. Cue a smirk or snigger from anyone that knows me, fine! But I will try; try as hard as I can in every single moment to be more uplifting, more positive and more fun in all that I do.

Let’s party!!!

This month's favourites:
   The Rolling Stones, Beggars Banquet
   Signe Johansen, How to Hygge
   Before Sunset (2004)