As we start the beginning of a New Year, I wanted to look back over the Christmas Period, and review how 2015 has been for me.

Now as we all know, Santa only brings presents to the good girls and boys. So, therefore, If I got presents, I MUST have been a good girl?

2015, more than any has proven to me that presents don’t always come in a tangible form. Whilst it is always wonderful to receive a new dress, or a bottle of smellies, it is the gifts you can’t see that I am so thankful for.

The gift of friendship – I am so blessed to have some wonderful friends. My ladies, who I love and I know love me back. We may not see each other all the time, and for some we no longer work together, but I know I only need to shout and they will come running. As will I, whenever needed!

Over 2015 I have been brought into the lives of many more fantastic people, although located much further apart. Being part of the Plus Size community has opened so many doors, and hearts. I have been heartily welcomed in, and become part of an amazing group that helps, listens, advises, argues, supports and encourages.

My blog has been viewed, commented on, encouraged and checked over for even little mistakes. I know I can go to these ladies for help and support any time I need it.

The gift of love – No gift is greater than the gift of love. I know that I am loved completely by my partner, my children, my family and my friends. I may make mistakes, say or do the wrong thing, get self-absorbed in myself and my needs, BUT I will always be loved.

In return, I try and show the love I have for them in what I say and do. I support, listen, help, look after and love them right back. I would like to think that if ever they need me, I am there. I know there have been times recently when this has been called upon, and I hope I have helped. I intend to do this even more in the future. A small kindness, or a random act can cost very little, but can mean the world to someone.

The gift of health – I am thankful for the health that I have. Oh, as with many people, I have the odd ache and pain, and a bit of a creaky back. But other than that, I am healthy and well. Many of us know all too well the pain of loss, or the pain of continued serious ill-health, so I have to be thankful for what I have and be there for those that need support during their bad times.

Ill health doesn’t just cover those physical ailments. Many people I know suffer from poor mental health, myself included. There is still a stigma around this, which shouldn’t be the case in this day and age. I am always more than happy to talk about my own personal issues, and also to listen to others and theirs.

The gift of time – This is something that I seem to have precious little of at the moment. This time last year I was working a 20 hour week, with days off midweek, sometimes 3 or 4 on the bounce. In April, I started working full time. This is the first time in 19 years that I have gone into a full time position. But now that my children are grown, and living their lives, it was time for me to adapt mine.

This means that I do not have as much time as I used to have. Working 9 – 5 Monday to Friday means that appointments are harder to schedule, the few hours each evening are more precious. But this also means that these hours are now MINE. I no longer have children that depend on me for everything, or as a taxi service. With one being at the other end of the Country at Uni, and the other one zipping around in her little mini, my role has become somewhat redundant. So I do have this time.

Most of it has been taken up with blogging, meets with both a vintage group and other bloggers and fashion events. These have all been exciting adventures, and I hope to have quite a lot more of them this year. After all, time’s a-wasting and I don’t want to miss a single thing.

The gift of YOU! – Yes, YOU! Those of you that are long time readers and supporters of my little blog. Those of you that have just found me (I hope you will stay) and those that encouraged me to start writing in the first place. Over 31,000 of you have read me and followed my journey – Thank you for everything!

2016 is just another year, but one I hope will continue to grow and expand. I’ve only just started, and there’s so much that I want to achieve.