I thought I would take the opportunity during this incessantly rainy summer to review and reflect on my New Year’s Resolutions as we are now more than halfway through the year. I was inspired by the in/out trend at the time, which I found a useful way of looking at my life. I did a whole blog post about them in January, which you can read here.

In

Reading - yes, I continue to love this activity almost above everything else, particularly in the sun, or beside a fire in winter. I read on a kindle now, so I cannot display books I have read on a shelf, instead I make notes in a treasured notebook, depicted above, because I like to be able to remember them.

Walking - yes, almost every day – not in the rain though, wish I had a dog, then I would have to!

Tennis – yes, despite a nasty knee injury this year, I have pressed on with this, one of my favourite pastimes. Basically, nothing will keep me off the tennis court I have realised.

Cycling – err, have only been out once or twice, and I know I LOVE cycling. I am not sure what is stopping me? Could it be the rain?

Swimming – Oh dear, a keen start in January led to my knee feeling a bit funny, see above, so I stopped as soon as I could! I will have a dip in the sea or the river on a hot day, but I do not enjoy this as exercise.

Sketching – yes – I am SO happy that I have managed to keep this up and I have developed some into one or two quite interesting paintings.

Painting – yes, see above.

Cooking – yes, with some exciting new departures and experiments. I love cooking and eating.

Renovating – groan – very slowly starting!

Diary dates – yes – these make me very happy; I need to see my friends.

Family time – yes, whenever we can manage – love my family – all of them!!

Creative work – trying my best, not quite written that interiors book yet. Bear with me, a title by next January would be very good.

Out

Procrastinating – what even is that? Honestly trying not to!!

Overthinking – oh dear, guilty as charged –but I am determined to order my ground floor flooring in the next month (I promise!!)

Uncertainty – see above!!

Exhausting schedules – no, I honestly seem to have dropped those.

Summer travel - you come to me! Really sticking to this. Instead of stressing myself with airports and climate change catastrophes I really do seem to have managed to stay put in our beautiful part of the world this summer. I have filled my diary with get togethers with friends, local music festivals and fun on my doorstep. I am missing taking a proper break from work, that a faraway trip ensures you do, but loving the feeling of contentment from being exactly where I want to be on this planet.

Clutter – slowly on its way out, I think.

Overspending – not guilty

Overworking – not guilty

Unclear communication – I still seem to do this – I think there is a bit of a ‘people pleaser’ lurking inside me (very well hidden, I am sure my nearest and dearest would say) but I can sometimes hear myself saying things I think people want to hear rather than what is required. I need to stop this.

Not following up great stories – my biggest crime – if people are hard to get hold of, I do give up I am afraid, but I need to stop this.

Uncomfortable footwear – all gone!!

Feeling I am too old – I have at last realised that age is a blessing and I would not have it any other way!!

Well, I have managed about 15 out of 24, so far, so not bad. A few things still to work on, or maybe not – we do not have to achieve or complete everything we set out to do surely? I do not even want to swim seriously anymore!

Reflecting today on my January thoughts and feelings, the word ‘Hygge’ keeps coming to mind. The Danish word for cosy, an obvious aspiration in winter, but equally important in summer when contentment and gratitude are just as necessary. I am delighted to advertise the sheepskin company Jacobs & Dalton on my website. Their products are so beautiful. I am carefully selecting a few ‘must haves’ as finishing touch when my renovations are complete.

I love this Tibetan sheepskin rug, above, and the complementary pale pink Tibetan cushion …