The clock is ticking with just under 8 hours until the New Year signals the “Cleaning of the Slate”, an opportunity to start afresh, resolutions made with the best of intentions, many to fall by the wayside within hours or days, but probably not forgotten, others to be embraced and possibly life changing.
Entering the “20’s” seems particularly memorable, a new decade offering a fresh start, particularly for those who ended 2019 with hardship, tragedy or simply exhaustion. In short, something to look forward to, for some marriage, others kids – the next generation making their mark. From my office window looking over the marina, I see many of the boats that remain after the wave after Christmas Day being loaded with sufficient provisions to see in the New Year in traditional style, and in deference to the favourable weather forecast, enough for a few extra days, and good luck to them. In acknowledging that not everyone has a boat, it is timely to remember just how tough some people do it, some because their income simply is too humble to even think about such things, others because of choices made, perhaps preferring latte’s and lifestyle over mortgage payments. One of the many great things about this fabulous country is that ability for anyone to “make it” – work hard, work smart, take a punt or two… Perhaps I’m fortunate enough, now in the autumn of my career, after a lifetime of taking risks, working 80 hour weeks for so many years, and having everything on the line for so long to now be further up the financial totem pole than many, to the point where even thinking of boats and marinas no longer registers as being anything special. Having said that not a day goes by where I take success or the view from my window for granted. So what will 2020 bring? Inevitably, and to some degree or other, more of the same, with the curve balls of opportunity and chance playing their part. To benefit from opportunity will require the contribution of effort and risk, whereas chance maybe as insignificant as buying a lotto ticket. Some will seek out opportunity with enthusiasm and determination and may benefit accordingly – others will sit, wait, foregoing action or risk, listening for a delicate knock, wondering at “opportunity’s” reluctance to appear… In any event, it is now time for me to wander home, with a big steak in the fridge to look forward to and a bottle of something special to see me through until the clock proclaims the page has turned. I wish everyone special to me all the very best for 2020! Comments are closed.
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Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
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