Remember when we would declare New Year’s resolutions with conviction? I’m giving up smoking! I shall drink less! I shall murder less people! I don’t think we’ve ever approached a new year with such trepidation, desperately hoping 2020 won’t be repeated. Maybe I'll eat less cheese? I don't know, I don't want to over-commit. And yet . . . there has been plenty of positives. I didn’t think I’d be seeing out the year riding my motorbike into the beautiful countryside, reading about cocaine smuggling in Marching Powder, and about Neuroplasticity - remarkable tales of how the brain can heal itself - but it’s been a funny old year. I’ve escaped through books, and at last, escaped physically too. Again, I’m taking advantage of my friend’s good nature to spend time on their property, going for walks whilst avoiding the fearsome Australian sunshine. Night walks in a place famous for having 21 of the 25 most venomous snakes in the world – should be fine, right? Talking of statistics, out of interest I thought I’d drag out some of my own for 2020: I’ve spent almost a hundred days in the gym or working out, with remarkably little effect which is quite an achievement in itself; I’ve consumed 53 books; I’ve written 28 blog posts; posted 12 motorbike articles; had a motorcycle write-up published; walked 4.56 million steps (3,553 km); and taken zero days off sick. I’ve finally fixed long-standing shoulder and wrist injuries, and I’m consuming far more fruit and vegetables than ever before, giving meat the elbow several days a week. And lastly, I’ve entered numerous photo competitions – won zero, before you ask! All seem extremely selfish pursuits but perhaps a year of me-me-meeee hasn’t been a bad thing, for me at least. I have also helped prop up entire tea-plantations. Cups of cha consumed for the year? About 14 billion. What will next year hold? Zombies, probably. I’ve registered with a couple of charities so will see if I can get involved in more philanthropic work. Despite the many challenges of 2020, I remain extremely grateful for everything - my friends, family, health and work. Whatever trials lay ahead, most of which I cannot control, I shall try to make the best of it. And I hope you will too.
Much love for 2021, I wish you and yours health, wealth and happiness. And many cups of tea. And hopefully no zombies. Richard
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