The Gazette Lanzarote Jan 2014 | Page 57

YOU CAN DO IT! Life can be so hectic these days that there’s a strong temptation to just sit back and let it break over you like a tidal wave. But if that’s what it feels like, you’re probably not doing it right in the first place – so make a pledge to plan things better. Planning head! New Year is all about taking stock, so do exactly that – start writing down all your plans for the year ahead. Try to include all aspects of your life, and also those of your family – for which you will also have responsibilities. For example, you´ll almost certainly want to assess your financial and work situation, but what about your social life? Are you seeing enough of the people that matter? What about culture’ do you need to expand your mind a little? Now is a great time to plan anything from a new course in a language academy or scuba club to just tackling that big novel you´ve always meant to get round to. Many of these activities will kill two or more birds with one stone, increasing your horizons as well as your social life. Buy a diary. It´s a New Year’s tradition for a reason – allowing you to prepare for many of the things the year has to throw at you. Do some research and put down important dates such as public holidays in 2015, carnival, tax season and school dates. Now is also a wonderful time to think about your children´s education. By now you´ll know if they´re progressing where they are, and if not, you´ll have plenty of time to look into and plan a move. This is the time to assure your children´s future and make sure they´ve got the best support available. Have a think about your current situation and note down any big spends that might be looming on the horizon – a new car, for example, or a family trip off-island. Once your worries are down in black and white you may find they stop sneaking up on you in the wee small hours of the morning. And above all, before you take a deep breath, look 2015 dead in the eye and step out there to take it on; just take a moment to give yourself a pat on the back for everything you´ve achieved in 2014 – you´ve almost certainly come much further than you think. And you´ve almost certainly not done it alone, so be sure to show your gratitude to those loved ones who keep you going until the next New Year, and the next ones after that… “I will plan for the future.” The Gazette | January 2015 | 57