Ten things that went right for me in 2009

I've just opened a Christmas card to find a truly depressing Round Robin letter inside. Just a couple of bits of mildly good news tacked onto the end of a string of miseries. What a year these poor people have had.

But why send these miserable things? Why focus on what's gone wrong? I wanna hear what went right.

This is the closest I'll ever get to a Round Robin - my ten things that went right in 2009.

Good thing No 1 As I write, proper fluffy snow is falling, lit golden by the street lamp outside the window. It's so calming and perfectly beautiful. And exactly right for Christmas.

Good thing No 2 Chris and Ola won Strictly!! (Not strictly my good thing, I know, but SO exciting)

Good thing No 3  Watching my daughter's first nativity play at school. She had one line, shared with four other 'snowflakes' dressed in what can only be described as doilies. But she was so bold and so up for it, and she twirled magnificently. And yes, I cried.

Good thing No 4 The same youngest daughter starting school in September. She loves it and it's given me more time to devote to my coaching practice - which I love.

Good thing No 5 A fabulous summer holiday in Italy with friends. All of us child-free for a week, it was like going back in time as we lazed by the pool, read more novels than in the previous year and drank gorgeous wine, ate fabulous food, sang and laughed.  Highly recommended to stressed-out parents - if at all possible. 

Good thing no 6 Seeing Jude Law on stage in Hamlet. Nuff said.

Good thing no 7 Getting positive feedback from my coaching clients, sometimes months after we've stopped working together. It is so fantastic to hear how they are getting along and makes my job just the best.

Good thing no 8 Witnessing my oldest daughter transform into a more thoughtful, more responsible, dare I say, 'grown up' girl. It's quite remarkable how she has changed.

Good thing no 9 Discovering Twitter. So much fun and such a great opportunity to get out there and take part in the world. I never would have believed it.

Good thing no 10 Despite the 'economic downturn', I've still got a job which I love, I've still got a beautiful family, I've still got a home, caring friends and a life worth living. 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas & a
positive, challenging, thought-provoking and fabulous New Year