Six years ago, I was in the middle of my dance with the big C. Little did I know that the Corona virus was about to enter all our lives too. And what a challenge that journey became. When I look back at those times, it feels as if I was more upbeat then, despite the many hurdles I still needed to jump through. And I wonder why that was?

Well I didn’t have a choice really. I was fighting for my life. There was no room for moodiness. Perhaps that’s it. When my back was against the wall, I needed to defend my space with everything I still had in me. Now that I am fully recovered, I can sometimes crawl into a melancholy space, not so?

Wait … What am I saying?

Is my gratitude that fickle? Have I forgotten about that long, dark tunnel?

Is it time for some new resolutions?

An older and slightly wiser Archie still doesn’t need to make any resolutions. His instinct hasn’t dissolved into complete domesticity. He’s still on a hunting mission. Moles and crickets don’t stand a chance. Birds and squirrels no longer need to fear him. (Well, mostly not.) And despite being well fed by his humans, he devours whatever he kills, just as a true hunter would. His territory is still defended nightly.. The ongoing battle will not be resolved any time soon.

The sun is dipping and evening birdsong in our garden, is a reminder to check on treats from the kitchen. I can already see a pair of golden eyes peeping through the wooden slats of his private entrance, and these days, a single meeow is enough of a signal to Archie’s staff.

The little hunter’s world has expanded exponentially since last New Year’s eve. He continues to prowl the pathways and in this ‘hood, he has retained his crown. New young toms have moved in and tried their luck. But this ginger tom reigns supreme…for now.

Despite his present phase, my precious boy contiunes to take on the role of healer when its needed. Unfortunately, he has decided that the garden is very much his territory, and he has broadened the defintion of healer to include boss-cat. I need his permission before I dig up beds and re-plant tree-ferns. I know you think I’m joking, but I have the battle scars to prove my case. I wonder if the cat whisperer’s number is stil the same …

A few years ago I developed a serious allergy to aggression, in any form whatsoever. I’ve added negativity to that affliction. Being unkind and sweating the small stuff, also fall under that umbrella. So does gossip. It’s hateful and hurtful. And no it’s not just fun, especially for the person you are diminishing. So if I grow quieter and quieter, you’ll know …

2026 will be a year of changes. Adventures are on the horizon. Plenty! Of course, there will always, always, be room for precious friendships. And many of the stalled intentions for 2025 will be on my new list too. But as we enter this new year, I’ve also come to a deeper understanding of who I am. Being true to myself has become an urgent, vital part of my purpose here. Pretending is no longer an option, if I am to thrive.

2025 turned out to be a cruel, devastating year for the whole world. That status remains and there are signs that things could get even worse for many countries.

I wish I could wave a magic wand and bring about world peace, end hunger and banish all wars to the ancient history books. I cannot. But what I can do is offer love and kindness to the people around me. I can refuse to give in to fear, and embrace courage. I can do small things which make a big difference to a few people in my life, and I can invite you to do the same.

Let us all kick fear and hatred to the curb, and bring in love and reconciliation. We need it. Our World needs it desperately. Join me in this quest for a peaceful planet in 2026 … please!