Happy New Year, everyone!

I don't know about you, but I'm not going to hold out too much hope for 2021 (yet) but like many, if not all of the planet, I think we can safely say we can't wait to see the back of 2020!

I will be spending New Year's Eve on my own. So, sadly, it's going to be a pretty lame end to a pretty lame year for me. 

I'm wondering if it is worth waiting up until midnight. Big Ben will chime, but there will be no fireworks. (I am thinking this will save a lot of money, and considering the economic climate, can we really afford to blow up millions of pounds? So I am pleased with this decision.)

Do you make New Year's resolutions? I'm not very good at these. I have some goals set for my new business, targets I would like to reach. But other than that, I suppose I want to exercise a bit more (once the hamstring is sorted), network more, sort the boys' bedrooms out - as I have two mini-adults in the house now - and to catch up with old friends, as well as make new ones. I want more mini-adventures - they were pretty scarce this year!  

I should have two books coming out in 2021, so I suppose I want to make them the best they can be. 

But my real goal this new year will be to build my business. I have seen that it has the potential to improve my life, give me the financial independence I need to continue writing, help my sons' through their educational paths, and enable me to live a life I wish to live. But it's not a get rich quick scheme. I need to put the work in, share my new venture. This is a long term goal.

The great thing about my business is that it is about helping people save money, and/or they too can do what I do, and set themselves on a different path. One of being their own boss, in charge of their own time management, and finding financial freedom. 

Earlier this year, I read a book as part of my self-development for my new venture. It's called The Consistency Chain For Network Marketing by George Campbell and Jim Packard. 

The book looks at the 20%ers and the 80%ers. 

Now I'm definitely a 20%er when it comes to health and fitness. I'm already getting up earlier every morning to exercise. And my diet isn't bad (although I could try to squeeze in more fruit and veg). I rarely break that consistency chain. It is now a habit. So I need to take this mindset towards my business and my writing, and become a 20%er in those areas - and I will benefit in results! 

You may not be in Network Marketing, but you might be looking at how to lose weight, or you own your own business, or you may even have something else that you're good at sabotaging. Do you need to finish that book you're writing? 

This book WILL help you. It's about consistency. I really can recommend it.

I can honestly say, even with the shittiest year on record, (it started great but about March is started going wrong for everyone) I'm in a really good place. I'm happy, and single. And happy for it to stay that way. Next year will be about more self-development - because I love reading books - and just growing as a person. I still have so much to learn. 

I do love this! My nickname is Patsy after all.

Happy New Year, everyone. I seriously believe a party is what you make it. Life is tough, and it's easier said than done to stay positive. But try. Xxxx 

(I will write more about my three positives a day and how this has changed my life.) 

Love, happiness & good health to you all, 

Teresa

Happy 16th Birthday, Ben

This isn't funny now. Where has my baby gone? Quite literally! He is taller than me! Ben is growing up too fast. He is now 16!

I know this is where most parents harp on about how kind and amazing their kids are. And of course they are. We're all biased. But I like to keep it real. My son drives me completely potty at times with his inability to keep his room tidy or put things back, or close doors, or turn lights off. He's so laid back it frustrates me! Realistically, Ben and I do have our off days. I don't always like the woman I become when I have to nag him to put his washing in the wash basket. 

However, Ben can be my little (but taller) buddy. He's happy to go for a walk, join me on National Trust adventures, sometimes help out with dinner... He is also quite funny, having a similar sense of humour to me. (I've found someone I can watch Red Dwarf with). He is also hard working (when not distracted). And his laidback, calm attitude will just stand him in such good stead for life. He is quietly confident, which does not make him arrogant.

This week, he has returned to school after having to self-isolate for 10 days, thanks to the NHS Track and Trace app pinging. (Lord knows how this happened, we were in Lockdown, and Ben isn't the sort of son who walks the streets and hangs out with his mates outside corner shops!) However, all of Year 11 got sent home on Friday to self-isolate for another 14 days. So Monday, Ben decided to still go into school and work there - even though he's the only Year 11 in! There are 6-7 other children in his year that could do this but they've chosen to stay home. I do think this shows his sensible nature; not to follow the herd, to be independent. But it also shows his dedication to learn. 

This year has been so hard, with cancellations on things you so wanted to do, from your D of E Silver expeditions to your work experience with Highways England, yet you've taken it all in your stride.

So even though we do have our off moments, I do love you immensely, and I'm incredibly proud of all you've achieved so far. And I will always be here for you. After an ectopic pregnancy at 29, I wasn't confident that I'd have children. But just over a year later, you did come along and light up my world. 

Happy 16th Birthday, Ben xxx