The Infancy Of A New Year.

We take our first tentative steps as infants in the year, 2014.  A year that will have potholes on our pathways of positive pursuit.  Yet, with each pothole, we stumble, get back out and we learn.  We understand that if the potholes were mistakes, we gather new knowledge.  If the potholes were adversity, the adversity makes us more determined.

Last year, I had extremely anti-social neighbours move in below us.  They did everything they could to upset us and to this day, I've no idea why.  One night, from his garden, the so-called adult of the house was screaming up threats and obscenities to my son and I.  We could take no more.

I went outside, challenged my anxieties and spoke my mind.  I remembered everything that had caused us a living hell for nearly a year.  I spoke my mind, clearly and calmly.  I've never seen a bully back down so fast. Since that day of confrontation, about six months ago, we now have our peaceful life back as it should be. Nobody has the right to impose on our right to a peaceful life.

I always endeavour to find the positive out of a negative.  Those unruly neighbours have been mostly respectful since that horrible night.  Before the altercation, I had expressed concerns about my neighbours to my housing association.  I was offered a brand new place that I hope to be in by the beginning of May.  If it transpires, it will be a beginning in so many ways.  And yes, another positive out of a negative.

If I do make that move this May, it will mark the end of my son and Penny the beloved dog, living with me. A chance for Tristan and I to get on with our lives.  Indeed, a chance to finally write my book.  I've been living in such times of uncertainty.  So uncertain that I couldn't concentrate on what I really want to do.

I visualise that fresh start in a brand new place.  I will be sad yet philosophical of moving on from the garden I created.  One man and his shovel.  Through all kinds of weather.  A garden that was a statement of peaceful defiance as all around were gardens of squalor.  A sanctuary for the soil, for the soul.  I always have the memories captured in photos.  A snapshot of the seasons.  A snapshot of my life.

The ethos of my blog shall carry on.  An ethos of demonstrating that my mental health issues are only a small part of who I am.  An ideal of being here for others as they have been here for me.  I shall continue to be discreetly in the background.  Being of support and encouragement.

I dream of a Rainbow Planet.  Rainbows without borders.  A world where we celebrate diversity.  A world where politicians learn that it's all about compassion, not corruption.

And my friend, what of you?  What are your dreams, your hopes, your aspirations for 2014?