Hey Friends,

I think you will agree, 2020 has been a very strange and testing year. Many want to forget this year ever happened, and are looking forward to 2021, in hope that things will be better. This is totally understandable.

For me, I always look for the positive in any situation. I am grateful that all my friends and family are safe and well, and although this year has been undoubtedly difficult, it has also provided some good moments.

I am blessed to have a fantastic job which allowed me to work from home, and all the flexibility that brings. I really enjoyed breaking up my day by going for walks with my family, and playing lots of board games. I actually enjoyed the slower, simpler pace of life, and didn't mind the fact that many things were closed. I actually look back on these as good times.

Now, I realise I am very fortunate, and that for many, this will not have been your experience. For many this has been a year of fear, anxiety and struggles. My heart goes out to all those who have lost loved ones, been ill themselves, or have seen their source of income disappear. Obviously, for you, these have not been good times.

So my message to anyone in that situation is, things will get better. I am confident things will get back to more 'normal' days. Yes, covid will still be lingering around. Yes, the fall out from Brexit will still rumble on, but try to focus your thoughts on positive things. Don't let these things steal your peace, joy and happiness.

My advice (to myself really) is to spend less time watching TV, reading news, browsing social media, these can all feed into the fear and anxiety. Disconnect from your digital life a little more, and spend more quality time with family and friends. Pick up that old hobby, or perhaps start a new one! Phone a relative you haven't spoken to in a while. Go for a walk with some friends (assuming we can still do that).

2021 is going to be better. Repeat that every day to yourself, and go make it happen!

Take care,

Chris

P.s. This is my last message for 2020 and I will start up again in the New Year, after a well earned rest.