I started the day by rousing sleeping children at 5:25am and heading out the door. There were a few grumbles but as we reached the stairs that led down to the beach the promise of a sun rise quelled all complaints. We found a piece of driftwood near the sea grass and sat down – just the five of us, together – watching the sky as it grew lighter and brighter.

Closing the chapter on one year and witnessing the dawn of the next.

The possibility of a New Year is inspiring, isn’t it. The promise of a new beginning – whole and untainted and brimming with opportunity. A brand new diary with 366 blank pages – exciting and perhaps a little overwhelming.

It’s tradition to speak of resolutions and good intentions at this time of year; letting go of the clutter that no longer serves you and embracing new habits to nurture and nourish. I’ve created my own mindful intentions – small, achievable ones that place my health and wellbeing towards the top of the priority list (because last year it really did fall to the very bottom…not unusual for the first year with baby).

Changing habits for the year can be a daunting prospect, can’t it? But changing them for today? Not so much. And therein lies the very essence of mindfulness – that word that is being thrown about with wild passion as plans are made – it’s about today, it’s not about the entire year.

When you’re mindful you look within – you don’t look too far ahead. You practise the art of being here, now, aware of what you’re thinking and what you’re doing in this moment. And what’s truly wonderful about this realisation is that it’s so very achievable.

Because here you are, reading my words, thinking about mindfulness. Being mindful.Make coffee/drink coffee, inhale/exhale, walk outside/feel your feet on the earth, open the book/read the pages, get off the internet/be present in your home…

Happy New Day.