Happy 'ordinary' new year!

Graeme Shanks  |  Comment
Date posted:  1 Jan 2026
Share Add       
Happy 'ordinary' new year!

Image: iStock

I do always love the New Year. Given that I’m naturally a glass half full kind of guy I always enjoy the blank-page sense of anticipation that this time of year brings.

For many of us the year ahead will be full of as yet unknown adventures. For others it will be tinged with unexpected sorrows. But here’s another possibility. It may well be full of… well, the same old. Same classmates. Same school run. Same commute to work. Same relational difficulties. Same bills. Same health complications. Same daily routine.

This year may well look remarkably similar to last and each day similar to the next. A chronological game of snap. There’s a good chance that everything about the year ahead will be… well, ordinary.

Share
< Previous article| Comment| Next article >
Read more articles on:   ageing
Read more articles by Graeme Shanks >>
Features
A gospel message for your superstitious friend

A gospel message for your superstitious friend

On the day of the football World Cup semi-final this July, I found myself watching a pre-match press conference with …

Features
The antidote to abusive power

The antidote to abusive power

A few months ago it was my turn to pick the film for date night. I opted for the most …

Subscribe

Enjoy our monthly paper and full online access for just £40/year

Find out more

About en

Our vision, values and history

Read more