Mum was born in the Chinese Year of the Monkey, which makes her a very venerable Monkey indeed. Checking out her horoscope for the coming year I saw there will be quite a few obstacles in her path. The trick, apparently, will be to deal with these obstacles with patience and optimism. What one must not do is attack them with impatient negativity.

Unfortunately, even at her advanced age, mum has never really learnt how to approach issues with patience and optimism! She’s a half-empty rather than a half-full sort of person. And to switch zoological metaphors, I’m afraid a leopard can’t change its spots – which points to a rather trying year ahead for me if mum gets frustrated and cross.

On a more positive note, the Year of the Monkey is going to be a good year for me – as long as I take advantage of the opportunities that will arrive. Ok, I look forward to doing that. But – I must look after my health. The best way to rest, says the horoscope, is to maintain a good work/life balance. This could be a bit tricky. As any carer knows this is not like a normal job. It can be 24/7, there are no days off, no going home and leaving your work behind. Mum needs a lot more care than she did a year ago, both physically (incontinence etc) and mentally. So I must make sure my boundaries are firmly set, and I have time for myself.

In preparation for this, we’re about to have a respite break. Mum will go to the normal care home and I, fingers crossed, am going to visit the Pyramids and spend a week cruising on the Nile. This is my reward for the hard work of the last 18 months – and will hopefully set me up for the coming year!!

Abundance and Good Health to everyone.