Last night I had a number of conversations with people that made me feel very lucky to have such wonderful friends. Despite my work woes there has been a stream of people offering help, kindness and support, which is really cool.

David had stern words with me for my posting because he feels that however grim things are at work, there are many things in our lives for which we should be very thankful. He’s right of course and we did make some significant progress on the ‘grand plan’ yesterday so whatever happened at work, my thoughts should really be on the plan and making sure it works.

Ian Clowes suggested something to me and I thought I’d make it my theme for the next week or so. His idea was designed to keep my mind on the positive and away from the overwhelming negativity that has been engulfing my thoughts of late. The idea? Simple really – think of the ten things in my life I’m most proud of.

So, here is no 1 – it’s crossing the bridge into Cornwall (even though the photo is actually of the reverse, I thought I could get away with it). It’s symbolic for the most difficult and momentous decision of my life, to leave behind the South East and move away to somewhere where there will (after Christmas) be less stress and more time for my home life.

I’ve never been a ‘brave heart’ – never a risk-taker yet here I am, throwing away all of my security and everything I’ve ever fought for to follow a dream of a better, happier future in a place where there is magic and sparkle. A place where a traffic jam holds you up for five minutes and there are no angry people – at least no permanently angry people. A place where we know our neighbours and feel a part of a community rather than feeling as though we were in a hostile land.

It’s not just the place though, it’s the time. I’ll have time to grow our food again, after letting it all slide so badly in the last couple of years. I’ll have time to dedicate to photography, writing and cooking. I’ll have time for the people I love – to walk my own dogs and to be with David instead of being in an hotel room miles from all that I hold dear. Most of all and most badly needed, I’ll have time for ME.

I’m hugely proud of this decision. I feel as though sometime in the not-too-distant future my life will return to one that gives me pleasure and joy, rather than constant worry and pressure.

I have to hang on with every part of my being to knowing the goal of the grand plan and to believing that it is attainable and we will, soon, soon, soon, be living our dreams. For now, I need to take each day as it comes as Rene said. I need to remind myself that each day’s end is a day closer to the end of the year and the prospect of a better life next year.

Today I go to face the music in my office and have the prospect of three days of crushing stress BUT within that even there is some hope…..today I will welcome to the team a lady who will release me from some of the stresses of trying to do three jobs all at once. She’s joining the company after Christmas and comes today to spend some time with us and meet a few folks. Hurrah.

Today I have crossed a real bridge, over the Tamar and away from my home but more importantly I have crossed a metaphorical bridge to leave behind the problems associated with the last few months and to move forward safe in the knowledge that whatever happens, I’ve got a bright future.

By the way, this bridge was built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and was opened in 1859!

Last year I was smashing things and two years ago, I was dreaming of chrome!