With the exception of Madrid and Qualifying as a counsellor (strangely on the same day !) 2025 has been an awful year.
It’s not been my worst but it ranks highly as a real pisser and is one that I now know I’ve almost survived
The threat of redundancy has made me view charities as businesses rather than just special places to work, and I never want to venture back to those sleepless nights where every following day may bring you the news that your job has gone alongside the way of paying for a roof over your head.
This threat brought the best and worst out in co workers
I’m so glad it’s over.
Losing the sight in my right eye is a wrench too
I’m clumsier than normal which is saying something
And that fall on the underground brought me up short too……but at least I no longer have to suffer the eye injections which were unpleasant to say the least
I feel I’m walking towards 2026 with a more sober head on
Where self care is vital
A trip to Florence, and a return to Madrid are planned
A proper return to the choir, and a judicious increase in counselling clients are on the cards
I’m making soup this afternoon.
Chorizo and bean and the fire is lit and the cottage is worm
You have endured and overcome so many annoying bothers that cropped up so should be proud of yourself for making it with the end of 2025 in sight. Snazzy new clothes, too!
ReplyDeleteFor 2026 you've planned worthy goals for work, play, and your book (?) and your soup and warm cottage are a lovely place to start.
We're with you!
Hugs!
Some years just seem to go from bad to worse. 2025 is nearly over and you survived it all, the good, the bad and the downright ugly. If nothing else, you have realised where your priorities lie, self care, health and, if not happiness, at least contentment. xx
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize you had lost the sight in that eye. That's scary. Layoffs and the threat of layoffs are horrible at any age, even more so at our age. Who would hire us?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have plans to look forward to. We're planning a trip to Vancouver Island and we're going to see the Inside Passage, as well as Bella Coola and the Great Bear Rainforest. We're also taking Jack which will be interesting.
Take care John and tits up:)
In full agreement - 2025 has been a fucked year- all around the globe! Finding innner peace has been challenging. I am so sorry you lost vision in one eye- I am getting injections still in my one eye and it is getting to be traumatic. Better than a glass eye perhaps but not fun. 2026 has got to be better for you. If wishes were horses...Carry on- with your big heart and humor! Best to you.
ReplyDeleteYou are a good man John. You give out a lot of kindness because that is your nature. For these reasons, a year from now, I hope you feel no need to tell 2026 to eff off.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a much happier and healthier 2026 Mr Gray.
ReplyDeleteFlorence is something wonderful to look forward to. Can I come with you?
I'm hoping for a much better year for you, John. This one was one damn thing after another. Happy New Year. Really!
ReplyDeleteJohn, I hope 2026 is much kinder to you
ReplyDeleteYour change of employment will make a big difference in your day to day life. A positive difference! 2025 has been a terrible year all over the world.
ReplyDeleteWishing you, and All of us, a better year to come...
2025 has not been the greatest. That's for sure.
ReplyDeleteWorking as a counselor should prove rewarding and secure. The need is there for counselors, and I do believe you bring something very special to the table and your clients will benefit greatly.
Happy 2026.
May 2026 be kinder to you.
ReplyDeleteFlorence! Please, please visit The Medici Palace
https://www.palazzomediciriccardi.it/en/the-palace/
It is where The Adoration of the Magi is…absolutely sublime. Need to book in advance.
Is there a single person in the world who has not had a bad 2025? Something about planets not aligning apparently: here's hoping 2026 is better and brighter for us all. Yes, work is a worry, and I am glad a new perspective has brought calm. So sorry to hear you have lost vision in one eye, but at least you know that now, and not expecting injections in the eye with trepidation. Glass half empty or glass half full? Go for glass half full - optimism over depression every time (voice of experience!!) We will march into 2026 with you and keep going forward. You deserve it, and you inspire us all, so think you are stuck with it! God bless, mate.
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