Well, 2026 appears to have snuck in. Happy New Year, everybody! Thus far it seems to mostly consist of having the flu (“but you are upright!” I hear you say…that’s because I got vaccinated, fortunately!! Hurrah for vaccines!!) but being ill is par for the course this time of year! I was ill this time last year too, though it was covid that time if I recall correctly!

Anyway, in 2025, I started with visions of doing far more blog writing than I did in 2024, but in the event I actually did exactly the same amount both years – 7 posts. I’ve just gone back and counted. I’ve also gone back and read my blog post from around this time last year in which I made a bunch of most excellent New Year’s Resolutions. I do love a good new year’s resolution. (Not that I fulfilled the one about blogging more in 2025 than I did in 2024! It started so promisingly and then there was the voluntary severance scheme at work, and there was going from 2 coordinators for the January cohort down to only me, and then I moved on to co-coordinate the September cohort, and that was combined with delivering a new syllabus…all in all, there wasn’t a spare moment. Usually in the September semester, I was not actively coordinating, as active coordinating was January – August. This past year I’ve kept going and going. I will finally get downtime from active coordinating during the semester starting in late April 2026, with the last time of starting active coordinating following the usual downtime period being January 2025! I think I can cut myself some slack…!)

Resolution 1

Channel my brain into positive and creative pursuits (rather than only using it for worrying).

• More writing: yes, in the first part of the year (both blogging and creative writing!)
• Malorie Blackman course on BBC Maestro: yes, completed this and it was great!
• Being curious about my students/teachers and using that to feed innovation in how I support/teach them: yes, in particular I have learnt more about group dynamics and consciously use it in my planning. In end of semester feedback from my students, there was specific mention made of “the positive learning atmosphere” and “the tutor is very supportive” was also said. To me that is a win, to be built on this semester.
• More piano: yes, in the first part of the year – last semester I was working overtime just to keep up with work and piano got squeezed out (it requires concentration so if my brain is tired it doesn’t work). I’ve picked it up again this year though
• Learning/CPD: Again, more in the first part of the year! No crochet (yet…)

Resolution 2

Prioritise physical wellbeing. I’m no spring chicken and am at that delightful age and stage where I’m actively losing muscle if I’m not working hard to maintain it! Physical health and wellbeing also have an impact on mental health and wellbeing.

• Do a regular bouldering session: yes! We went every Tuesday except when either away or ill.
• Do an additional strength training session once a week: nope. Again, a time and energy thing. Might change this year as I plan to work with a running coach so will learn how best to fit strength training in in a sustainable, progression-ensuring way.
• Keep running 4 times a week: yes! Other than when ill or away.
• Do yoga regularly: it came and went and came and went, I will continue to encourage it to come…it’s better when it does!!
• Do lots of gardening: did a fair bit! Am not very good at taking breaks though, I go into hyperfocus for long periods instead. This is something to work on!

Resolution 3

Put time and effort into my marriage.

• Support my wife’s goals: of course!!
• Prioritise spending time with her: of course!!
• Continue team-working everything: of course!!

Probably the most successful one!! 🙂

Resolution 4

Make time for family and friends.

• make the effort to get in touch with friends/family: I did try!
• make the effort to see friends/family: I did try!
• balance this with my need for solitary downtime/recovery (I need to recognise this need because otherwise I will inevitably burn out!): getting better at this! (It became easier once I got my autism diagnosis in April last year, as I felt more justified in recognising it as a need not a cop-out!)

So, I didn’t do too badly really! As for this year? Mainly I am going to follow the same set of resolutions as last year! They stand. And to whatever extent I meet them, they bring positivity into my life. To quote last year me, “a pleasure rather than a rod to beat myself with” – I was referring to piano, but honestly the same applies to all of them, and to life itself, including, as I put it back then, “mental, physical, emotional/connectional areas and [….] personal, social and professional domains”. Who knows, maybe this year I will finally get round to crocheting and write more than 7 blog posts (6 more to go after this one! Fun fact: my blog will be 15 years old on the 8th May this year!). And if not? There is always 2027. 🙂

Have a peaceful 2026 everyone, I hope it is kind to you.