2026

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Well here we are in the Year 2026 and my very best wishes for health and happiness to all.

From New Year to New Year's Resolutions to New Me; I think that's how the theory goes. If so, I'm ashamed to say that discernible change at this end is non-existent. All those thoughts of renewal and revival went out of the window when I awoke yesterday feeling totally exhausted, nursing the beginnings of a cold and a biceps sprain that has haunted me the whole of the festive season.

Start the year as you mean to go on? On this form, no thank you. 

Of course, it's only a hiccup. It's arrived, however, just after a lovely Christmas when so many of the extended family visited and close family stayed; I got the shopping in and decorations up in time; cooked for what can only be described as crowds on three occasions and enjoyed the company of those gorgeous grandchildren for eight full days. We've eaten all the left-overs and there are some days when I swear I haven't left the house. Now slob-like and slothful, I was looking forward to at least re-embracing normality but whilst all I'm inclined to do is hunker down, cough, sneeze and nurse my arm, it isn't going to happen.

I toy between wanting 2026 to be the year when I fire on all cylinders and breeze through as though I'm 20 years younger to recognising that with retirement has come the ageing process, with its longer recovery periods and need for caution. So I'm trying to strike a balance. I'm giving myself another two days to recuperate before hitting the gym again, after booking only "gentle" classes for Monday and, as a precaution, a doctor's appointment to check out the injury. 

I intend to spend the weekend cocooned in self-love during which I might give some thought to plans for the coming year. It's trying to be realistic that's always the issue. I know that my historic tendency to take on too much and power through regardless is a ridiculous trait that can teeter close to self defeat on occasions. On the other hand, slowing down, unless enforced by external events, almost feels unnatural and very definitely frustrating. 

Do we reach an age where body and mind never work properly in tandem again, when the belief continues but the physical capacity doesn't? For instance, I see a snowflake and imagine skiing again; the sun shines and I want to hike up mountains. Is it my mind or my knee that is restricting me? By accepting that I am not going to do these things, am I limiting myself unnecessarily or being sensible? If I can self-regulate because of  joint issues, can I extend this to other areas or does it only work when there is physical pain? Moreover and in these days of modern medicine and surgery should one even accept the discomfort that comes with overuse of worn and degenerating joints?

Balance, realism, prudence are these all concepts that I need to work into 2026 and how bored will I be if I succeed? So many questions, but are there really any definitive answers?

Image by Zx Visual from Pixabay


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