So here we are at the end of yet another year.
2023 is drawing to a close.
And what a year it has been
with the seemingly endless wars of old being fought
over and over. Religious division and mistrust
once again, leading to more violence, more battles,
more injuries, and more death.
On top of that, we had economic woes
to contend with as inflation
once more created hardship
for those already struggling to survive
the lives of so many would change forever this year.
Here in the UK,
we continued to debate the age old problems.
The dividing issues
that once again led to much disagreement.
Fairness, equality or the lack of it.
Race, immigration and of course the after effects
of the COVID lockdowns were all discussed at length in 2023.
On a personal note
This year for me has been somewhat bittersweet.
Sadly, my mother died in March
after suffering from Alzheimer's for three years.
Needless to say, this has affected us greatly.
and never a day goes by where I don't think about my mum.
We miss her very much.
On a happier note, I was able
to meet up with some of my English students
from around the world
when we had a rendezvous in Paris.
And a live stream also took place with our group
right in front of the Eiffel Tower.
In August, Steve and I got hitched.
We decided to tie the knot.
It only took us 34 years to do it.
But do it. We did.
It is normal at the end of the year to reflect
on what has passed during the previous months.
Was it a good year?
Did I achieve anything?
What were the highlights and what were the low points?
You might come to the conclusion
that despite all the problems faced during 2023,
it could have been better.
Then again, it could have been so much worse.
As the year comes to a close,
we normally begin making plans for the new one.
We lay down some ideas for the following year.
Perhaps there is a part of your life
with which you are unhappy.
You might feel as if some changes have to be made.
A change of career, perhaps.
Maybe there is some place
you have always wanted to travel to.
Perhaps next year will be the time to go there.
We call these changes resolutions.
These are the things we resolve to do.
You might just have a couple of resolutions
or maybe a great long list of things
you wish to change.
These New Year
resolutions are a great way of
kick-starting the New Year in an upbeat and positive way.
What are your plans for 2024?
Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
I hope that next year will be a good one
for you and yours.
Of course we will be together
sharing some of that time with each other.
See you next year, which is just around the corner.
This is Mr Duncan in England saying Take care and see you soon.
And of course, until the next time we meet...
ta ta for now.
Happy New Year, everyone. x