Dare to dream...
Despite the short, dark days and lousy weather, I love this time of year because it gives us a little watershed moment: the perfect opportunity to take stock and think about what we’d like to do, see and achieve in the months ahead. And, as we’re now at the start of a whole new decade – the Twenties – it’s even more of a reason to allow our imaginations to wander and contemplate how we’d like to live our lives in the year to come.
Take a look at the stories of readers Poppy, Mari, Kemi and Kristina (page 36) – I hope you’ll feel inspired by seeing how dreams really can come true! For Poppy, it was building her ideal home by the sea; for Mari, it was being brave and conquering a fear of heights to take up a new hobby of climbing (and becoming a model at the age of 58 to boot!); for Kemi, it was setting up a design studio, and for Kristina, it was quitting the rat race to become a wine maker. Proof that everyone’s dreams may be different, but following your heart pays off in the end.
I’d also urge you to read the incredible story of Alison Criado-perez (page 60), who picked herself up in midlife following the hurt and upset of a shock divorce and threw herself into nursing in some of the world’s most dangerous places. Alison has gone on 18 missions with Médecins sans Frontières, from Syria to the Central African Republic, to help others and make a positive difference.
Reading about her, the hairs stood up on the back of my neck as I felt so truly inspired – so much so that I am really keen to meet her and hear more from her. If you agree, please do drop me a line (email address below) and I will ask her to come and speak to us at the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2020. Getting together a group of like-minded women to talk, share, learn and laugh… yes, you’ve guessed it, that’s precisely what my dreams are made of.
PS.
The start of a new year is also the perfect time to book a holiday – there’s nothing like a getaway to look forward to – and we have oodles of inspiration for you in our 2020 Holiday Hotlist (page 166). Plus, check out some great new GH travel experiences on offer (starting on page 173). Enjoy!