Here we are, people. It’s the end of January and I’m wondering how many of us have kept our resolutions for 2014. A study done by the University of Scranton, Journal of Clinical Psychology that the top New Years Resolution for 2014 was to lose weight. While 75% of us can maintain our resolution for the first week, that stat drops to 64% by the end of the first month and 49% by the end of six months.
What accounts for these low numbers? Many people are very positive and excited about change on the cusp of a new year, but I firmly believe that we need to aim low. No really! If we give ourselves some massive goals at the start, it can become very hard to maintain them. I think success can best be achieved if we give ourselves smaller goals and build on them as we achieve each one.
To that end, my goal or resolution for 2014 is to simply eat healthier and eat smarter. See? I can do that with making simple choices (the resolution part will be to stick to those choices throughout the year). I’ve already made some permanent changes (switched from my super-sweet double double to a regular coffee and from regular soda to diet, with a squeeze of lime) and the next challenge is to curb my snacking. And so, it was quite fitting that Taste of Nature asked me to take the pledge to snack healthy and share the information with all of you!
Taste of Nature specializes in producing organic fruit and nut bars that combine the world’s best organic ingredients, including whole nuts and seeds that you can see, taste and pronounce. They come in a clear wrapper so “what you see is what you eat.” Made in Markham, Ontario, Taste of Nature snack bars are now sold and enjoyed in 35 countries.
Taste of Nature bars are 100% certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, certified Gluten Free*, certified Low GI, Vegan and Kosher. Best of all: the bars taste great, while providing all the good stuff you want, such as high fibre and healthy carbohydrates, without the stuff you don’t want, like additives, artificial flavours and fillers. They are a source of energy, fibre, protein, essential fatty acids, omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamins, minerals and trace elements that occur naturally in organic foods.
The Taste of Nature flavour line-up includes California Almond Valley, Brazilian Nut Fiesta, Quebec Cranberry Carnival, Niagara Apple Country, Argentina Peanut Plains, , Nova Scotia Blueberry Fields, , Canadian Maple Forest, Caribbean Ginger Island, Himalayan Goji Summit, Mediterranean Pistachio Passion, Persian Pomegranate Garden, Polynesian Coconut Breeze, and Louisiana Pecan Parade.
So what is the Pledge to Snack Healthy? Simply replace one snack each day with a healthy snack (which can include a Taste of Nature bar of course!) That is definitely a pledge I can get behind and follow! Instead of reaching for a pastry with my afternoon coffee, I can definitely commit to grabbing a healthy snack instead to carry me through until dinner time. It’s not about giving up that afternoon snack – it’s about making smarter choices!
Ready to take the pledge too? Just visit Taste of Nature on Facebook to take the Pledge to Snack Healthy and be entered to win the daily draw for a Pledge Prize Pack of a yoga mat and Taste of Nature bars (ARV $55). The daily draws are taking place until February 28, 2014. That’s a great incentive to jump in and take the pledge!
I’ll follow-up next month to let you know how the Pledge to Snack Healthy is going over here, but I anticipate with reasonable goals like this I will have no problem sticking to my pledge.
In the meantime, I have a great giveaway from Taste of Nature for my readers (in addition to the awesome daily price being offered up on their Facebook page!) One of my readers is going to win a Taste of Nature Prize Package valued at $200!
A recent survey conducted by Taste of Nature reveals that Canadians want to snack better in 2014. Almost half of the respondents (45%) felt that adding one healthy snack to their diet every day was something they could do to be healthier. But taste can’t be compromised. To help encourage Canadians to switch to at least one healthy and tasty snack a day, Taste of Nature and Feisty Frugal and Fabulous is offering you the chance to win a delicious prize pack valued at more than $200! Kick-start a healthy revolution with delicious fruit and nut bars that are 100% certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan, Kosher and certified Gluten Free.
I agree with you 100% that smaller more manageable changes are the way to go. I gave up making resolutions because I never stick to them, instead I try to set about 6 manageable goals for the year.
Yes it is the best way 2 go
Definitely! Small changes are definitely easier to keep for long term healthy lifestyle choices.
most def smaller more attaniable goals when i have smaller goals i can get behind them way better!
Definitely. Small changes will lead to long term weight loss.
Smaller goals are easier to reach so easier to stick to.
I agree for sure!
Definitely smaller. Bigger is NOT always better.
Yes! Smaller resolutions are easier attainable and less pressure….why be too hard on yourself , take baby steps!
I definitely agree with you! I stayed away from large resolutions this year (e.g., lose a certain # of pounds), and instead am just trying to find ways to eat better and stay active – like going for more walks with my husband, snacking less throughout the day, etc.! Thanks for the great giveaway, I LOVE these bars! 🙂
for sure!!
I like smaller ones that seem a little easier to manage. I also try to choose fun ones too – for example one of mine is to try 52 new recipes thsi year. Roughly one a week. I;m using a pinterest board to capture them. Hopefully I get some new favorites to add to my collection!
Absolutely, many small victories will keep you motivated.
Smaller goals are much easier to achieve and keep you from feeling overwhelmed!
Small, baby steps…easier to stick with over time.
Yes I agree with you. This year I said I would love myself more than I did last year and that encompasses so many things like health, healthy eating, exercise etc. I tend to be very hard of myself.
Sometimes big resolutions can become overwhelming and can result if frustration and failure. Smaller goals are easily managed.
I agree with you! Especially because achieving small goals boosts your confidence, so you’ll be able to achieve larger ones.
Yes I definitely agree with uou that small more manageable things will have a better chance to help us with our goals
One step at a time, it is much easier to achieve success one step at a time. Have a plan and don’t be afraid of failure as long as you are willing to learn from it, you won’t find this if you have to many goals going at once.
I don’t make New year resolutions!
This year I would like to loose 10 to 15 pounds.
And yes I start slowly because it’s more manageable and I’m more likely to follow through.
I prefer to take small steps instead of making sweeping resolutions I usually don’t ending up keeping!
I totally agree with making smaller more easily achieved resolutions. I don’t make big life changing decisions every year but start with ones that are a little easier attained.
I agree, small resolutions are easier to keep.
resolutions never work for me. Agreed that smaller goals are the way to go!
I definitely agree! For me I like the term ‘baby steps’ – much more manageable, less overwhelming & do-able!
Yes I agree, taking baby steps is definitely the way to go!
Oh yeah, small resolutions are the best,as you are more likely to stick to them, since they don’t look so daunting!
I don’t make resolutions, but I do focus on making achievable changes to my habits. Small steps are way easier to maintain!
I don’t do New Year’s Resolutions, but I have been trying to eat healthier since September. 🙂
I agree. Small goals give you a sense of accomplishment and encourage you to continue.
Definitly..a lot of small changes can add up
Oh for sure small manageable ones.
We love Taste of Nature bars. What a great prize.
Yes small steps are the best.
I don’t make resolutions, I just try to keep up my plan to eat healthy. Small changes are easier to keep up with.
I do agree!!!! 😉
Small manageable changes seem to be the best way not to get overwhelmed in the beginning
I usually make smaller resolutions for myself and something I know I can do. This year it is to get organized. Hopefully I don’t forget about it.
I absolutely agree! I’ve always thought that it’s best to set short term goals for yourself and to move forward from there, It’s less overwhelming that way
I definitely agree. For me as well, I find that a change in mindset is more effective than specifying behavioural changes with no bigger picture in mind.
I think it’s up to everyone if they want to make them or not. I sometimes do and so far this year I am failing at my resolution.
Agreed! They also have to be sustainable.
I agree. Small steps lead to big steps.
I agree that small changes are the best way to go. Try to change too much at once and it will be to much
Yes baby steps
I always thought smaller goals were better than bigger ones because they are easier to reach and people don’t despair
Small changes are definitely a lot easier. It makes the change seem way easier compared to a drastic change!
every year I make resolutions and fail time after time, this year it was to live a healthier lifestyle.. and so far I’m doing it.
I agree. Thanks for the giveaway!
I totally agree with you that smaller more manageable changes are the way to go. If I make a weight loss resolution I pick 10 lbs since it is achievable. People need to have a resolution that brings success instead of discouraging them since success makes you strive for greater success.
Yes I agree
That is an attainable goal!
I don’t make resolutions, but I agree with you on making smaller ones to be successful.
eat smarter,healthier and exercise more
Small changes are definitely the way to go – more chance for success
Start small and more steps daily.
No resolutions for me! I’m just fine the way I am!! 🙂
I don’t make resolutions.
Small changes can lead to big results!
Yes, I agree completely that smaller more manageable changes are the way to go.
I don’t ever make resolutions, but smaller ones would seem to make more sense.
I don’t make resolutions because I know I won’t follow through. But I agree you need to make smaller goals.
the things we do took years to develop, so I agree that you definitely need to go easy
Yes, smaller changes are more likely to stick. If you try to make huge changes or too many at once, you will become overwhelmed and return to your old habits.
EAT BETTER DRINK LOTS OF WATER AND WALKING 🙂
I don’t believe in “resolutions” as much as small lifestyle changes that you’re committed to. I love snacking healthy and cannot ever think of reaching for chips when there are delicious options like Taste of Nature bars.
I’ve never good with resolutions but I do try to stick with small goals myself.
Trying to stay healthy and keep my family happy n healthy!!! 🙂
I generally don’t stick to my resolutions because they seem too big and unattainable. I do agree with you that smaller, more focused resolutions is the way to go!
I agree! Small, realistic changes are the only ones that last. Helps if you can find nutritious snacks that are also scrumptious!
I think we should resolve to be our best everyday.
I agree. The smaller changes are easier to actually commit to.
I think resolutions are good if you make a plan to achieve your goal instead of just saying your goal. I kept my New Year’s resolutions last year for the first time ever and they were small ones (read the Bible through in a year and give my husband a back massage every Monday). I didn’t really make any this year but I am working towards losing weight this year.
Yes I agree
Baby steps work best for me. One day at a time; one foot in front of the other. This is a wonderful product and it’s easy to keep snacking healthy because they taste so good.
My goals this year is to eat healthier and drink more water as i find my resolutions always fail if they are too grandiose!
if your goals are small and not too outrageous I don’t see why you cannot achieve them
i definitely do agree with you that smaller is easier. if you go to the extreme most of the time it seems our resolutions are to hard to achieve
I agree with you. Making big changes all at once can be overwhelming and hard to stick with 🙂 Small changes, a bit at a time is way better.
ya resolutions are good but we need to set goals not only once a year, start small but look at the bigger picture i think, i day at a time, one workout at a time, one dollar at a time,
I definitely agree with you! I have always looked at resolutions as a way to set yourself up for failure. This year I made a goal to just be healthier and to boost my own self esteem. Rather than making a resolution to (for example) lose xx amount of weight. This way I am just making healthier food choices and making better decisions to gain more exercise. So far I am down 7 pounds total just by changing my eating habits.
i agree resolutions should be small and attainable to create motivation to continue
Yep, smaller goals are easier to reach
The smaller the change the more likely one will adhere you can always build on it!
Yes i agree , if you do to much at once it seems to be a turn off , slow and steady wins the race !!!
I agree with you that smaller changes are easier to maintain and less likely to lead to giving up.
Resolutions are good, small one’s always lead to big results and changes, the small victories are worth everything in motivating you to keep going forward.
making resolutions worked for me, and yes, smaller more realistic resolutions are generally more successful.
Accomplishing goals is definitely about small steps. My son and I started our resolution way too high, but now we are trying to do it in small changes.
although I do the regular ones eat right lose weight, I added a couple of diff resulotions 1 I smile at people as I pass them sometimes a smile brightens up a day at least I hope it does, and I give someone a complement a day. yes big goals I flop at I like mini ones
doesn’t matter if they are small or big – matters if you truly want to change. otherwise you till sabotage yourself
Yes I agree. My resolution is to eat healthier so I feel and look better!
baby steps are the best , and you must set simple specific goals
Don’t do resolutions but I always try to make each yr better then last even if they where hardtimes
Smaller changes are the only way to go if you really want to succeed!
Small attainable resolutions are def. the way to go.
Absolutely! Smaller more manageable changes are the ONLY way to go. 😀
I use to make resolutions but now I treat every day as a small resolution. Much more attainable!
I think that smaller changes are more realistic. And perhaps can get you on the way to a bigger goal.
Small steps and manageable choices and changes lead to more success!
Small steps = SUCCESS
Big resolutions = DISASTER
Yes I do agree smaller changes are more manageable.
I agree, one small change at a time seems more manageable for success.
I totally agree that the smaller more manageable changes are the way to go. I know for me if I make hugs resolutions or promises of any kind then most of the time they end up getting broken. Its overwhelming I think so the smaller the easier they are to do and complete. Then I am ready for the next one.
That should be huge not hugs, sorry. LOL
Definitely agree that smaller resolutions work better. If the small one goes well you can add to it later.
Smaller is better – they’re more manageable – even a small goal achieved is an accomplishment
Yes, I agree with you that smaller more manageable changes are the way to go! Set small goals that will help you achieve your ultimate goal.
I agree. It’s easier to start off with small resolutions and when you completed then you keep it going to the bigger resolutions.
Yes I agree with you, smaller goals for easier to attain. I dont make resolutions anymore though 🙂
And I have no idea why my comment ended up here! Lol sorry Maria
Yeah small ones are more reasonable
I agree that small changes are better. I decided I wanted to cook healthier for my family this year but I knew I would have to do it gradually.
A little change can do a lot!
I prefer to make smaller changes in my life. Easier to manage and not as much pressure as a resolution.
Yes, smaller changes works wonderful. I have made so many small changes a few years ago and I am blown away by the total of changes I have made to date. My meals are all low sugar, low fat – tons of vegetables, some fruits, vegetable protein and lots of water. My breads are all rye , 9 grain or pumpernickel. Seems like lots but when you do a few at a time, it makes for huge changes two years down the road.
I do agree with you that smaller more manageable changes are the way to go, I’ve started the New Year by doing a small exercise each day, I already feel much better!
I agree that making smaller changes is better. In the past I have tried making huge changes and not bing successful
Definitely small changes! Way easier to do
Less is more!!!!!!!!!!!
yes I agree with that,,smaller changes are a lot easier than big ones!
Smaller is the best way too go. When you try to aim too high it is easier to not follow through
I think you should set goals all year long
Smaller resolutions don’t push you to change, They provide instant gratification because you achieve them faster. Like how the universe and birth happen you must stretch yourself to accomplish changes! The pressure must be big and the rewards must be big too!
It’s best to make several large goals, broken down into monthly achievement quotas to track progress and keep you in the right direction.
Not expecting the moon overnight but knowing that if you make weekly and monthly goals to achieve the annual goal you are more likely to get there and there must be a reward at the end of the month for achieving that goal for month or you won’t push yourself!
Yes I do. You’re more motivated to reach those goals because you have greater chance of success.
small is good and always devaluating your goals for what is working and what is not working
A little can do a whole lot!
I think that resolutions are good to think of as goals.. not ‘i am DEFINITELY DOING THIS,’ because mitigating circumstances can arise. But it’s as good an excuse as any to set yourself a goal and work towards achieving it, while not putting undue pressure on yourself.
I think new years is a great time for making goals for the next year while realizing that you may mess up some but you have a goal you are working towards.
i think setting goals is good
I am trying to eat healthy because I am fighting two chronic health conditions and I have to take some pretty serious meds!
I agree, single manageable resolutions are the way to go.
I agree!! Small changes not only make a different but boost confidence and help you feel successful. When we break up our larger goals into small steps we don’t become frustrated or give up as easily. It a great recipe for success!!
I chose not to make a “Vow” / NY resolution as I often get down when I fall off track. This year I decided to take a positive step forward overall — I want to be a better person/wife/mom & healthier overall. So I’m taking smaller steps in my everyday to help achieve this.
With that being said — I am working on a healthier lifestyle to help boost some post baby weight !!
I am entering your giveaway.
It would be great to win a Taste of Nature Prize Package .
In response to your question of Do you agree with me that smaller more manageable changes are the way to go?
Yes i agree that smaller more manageable changes are the way to go.
It’s great if you want to make resolutions but you should try do things you know you can and don’t feel discouraged if you fail.
Thank you for having this giveaway!!!!!!!!
I love love love healthy foods.. I just love nuts and fruits bars!
Smaller is easier to reach…..
I do agree fully – if you go too big in your plans too fast, you are setting yourself up to fail. With small goals, they are easier to achieve and keep you motivated!
Agreed, small steps. My 2014 goals are to not drink pop, try to eat more naturally, and walk more.
agreed
I am trying. I ma not buying the junk cause when its in the house guess what you will eat it. It takes a commitment and some will to try and snack healthy. Even the time to prepare for it has to be planned.
small change > no change
Yes, I agree that smaller changes are more manageable in terms of resolutions… I still tend not to make resolutions, though, because they don’t work as well for me as goals I can work towards.
I definitely agree that small changes will make you more successful
This would so nice to get this…trying to eat more healthier this year….
This would so nice to get this…trying to eat more healthier this year….
I totally agree with you, if I set high lofty goals are the beginning of the year I become so overwhelmed that I eventually abandon most of my resolutions…so going smaller is better!
Yes, I agree. When I do things in small steps it works.
I agree; If you focus on eating only healthy meals right off the bat, you might be tempted to binge on things that aren’t healthy. But if you teach yourself that you can have a lot of things in life but in moderation, the pressure to not have unhealthy things is lessened, as is the reluctance to eat healthy (since you are not restricted to only healthy things, but can have the unhealthy stuff too – but in moderation).
Sometimes it’s baby steps that get us to where we want to be.
Yes I do agree, smaller changes are more manageable to work with
I do agree. It’s the smaller things like skipping the butter or using milk in your coffee instead of cream.
I have never been one to make resolutions. I am more of a goal person. This year my goal is to declutter our home – one room at a time, as I have been saying it for a few years now and it was too overwhelming. If I tackle one room at a time it will be much easier.
My favourite is the Brazilian nut-yummm!
I agree with you. I think taking on too much too fast will lead to burn out, lack of motivation, and then eventually falling off the bandwagon. I think setting big, long-term goals is fine but it makes it easier to set short-term goals to get to that.
I do agree I succeed when I take smaller steps toward my goal.
I totally agree with it. It is much more manageable making smaller steps
I agree, I set smaller goals for myself. It keeps me motivated.
I agree, smaller goals are more manageable and achievable.
I like the smaller and manageable resolutions. They are easier to achieve.
I resolve to spread the good word of Bacon
Smaller steps are the key to winning
reasonable goals are definitely the way to go
I’ve never really made resolutions before. I usually have some ideas in store for the year ahead but not really resolutions specifically.
Yes I do agree that if we strive for smaller changes, they are more readily achievable. And my resolution matches yours in that I’m going to try to eat healthier this year. I’ve already lowered the amount of snack food I ate and I’m not suffering any ill effects as a result.
I’m not really one to make NY resolutions…I just set smaller goals for myself that I wish to reach throughout the year. Many people fail because they set too many goals and end up overwhelming themselves.
I totally agree with you, then they would be way more manageable, and to make realistic ones too
Yes I agree with smaller goals are easier to reach. Take on something big and you get overwhelmed
yes, smaller resolutions are more easily kept, especially if you’ve got the support of people around you.
I completely agree, smaller is way more manageable!
I %100 agree smaller resolutions are more manageable.
I am a believer of small attainable goals and each step towards those goals I count as huge successes.
It’s okay to make resolutions because they are like setting a goal for yourself. I do agree with you it is better to make smaller ones to be able to attain them so as not to disappoint yourself.
A pledge is one baby step at a time.
I set small goals 🙂
I’m not a huge fan of making ‘resolutions’ per se. But i think that setting smaller, realistic and achievable goals are the way to go and one is more likely to truly be committed to something that is not too drastic or overwhelming.
I don’t make resolutions, but yes, smaller ones are the way to go!! Some people make them too unrealistic, you will drive yourself crazy trying to achieve them until you finally give up.
I totally agree that smaller changes are the better way to go. It is so much easier to stick to them.
eat better, healthier, walk more
Small changes lead to big results.
I’ve been trying to eat smaller portions than I would normally consume. I still eat the same things ( I eat relatively healthy food already), but I try not eat eat as much of it as I have in the past. One small step at a time.
I definitely think that small changes are the way to go. You’re more likely to stick with them.
I totally agree with it. It is much more manageable making smaller steps
I think you do whatever you can handle. You know yourself and whether you can follow through so if smaller goals are easier to meet for you then go for it, or if you know youll be able to manage a larger goal then thats excellent too.
Resolutions are great. I agree to start with the smaller steps then work your way up.
Yes I agree with you. I try to only set goals in small steps now. It works so much better that way for me.
I agree with you and I normally don’t make resolutions!
I agree, smaller is way more manageable
baby steps are best 😉
I believe in monthly resolutions instead of a big beginning of the year resolution.
I agree, I take small steps, I believe in one thing at a time to reach a larger goal
I do agree with you, I take baby steps. I try not to make resolutions so that way if they don’t happen I’m not upset with myself =)
small resolutions are more realistic
I agree with smaller more manageable resolutions of goals.
Smaller ones are easier to follow! If you make goals that are unreachable you will not succeed
I’ve never put any pressure into it. This year it’s: Smile more…frown less.
Yes, baby steps at first. That way you don’t feel too overwhelmed with any type of changes.
YES! All I decided to this year was not buy junk is I wouldn’t have it at home and make healthier choices throughout the day, everyday. Eat more natural foods, park a little further from the door. This is waaaaay more manageable.
I agree. Less is more. It is too easy to feel defeated if you make that hill a mountain. I prefer small accomplishments, which results in more accomplishments and rewards. A 20 minute walk is better than no walk at all. My resolution is to walk daily and I aim for about 40-60 minutes. It is good for my brain!
I am just starting a journey, and I am trying to aim for small goals and let them add up.
Yes i am in agreement that smaller goals/steps help to reach bigger goals. Instead of, I am going to lose 50 lbs, I am going to start eating breakfast or I am going to eat more veggies.
I do agree I succeed when i take it day by day
I don’t normally make resolutions. I feel like each day what I need to do to live my best life changes, so I just take it day by day.
I think resolutions are good to help get you on the right track
Absolutely! Change takes time and simple, small manageable changes are most effective. We need short term gratification! Besides, all of these small changes add up over time.
Yes, baby steps are the best way to work towards a goal.
My Mom always say ‘inch by inch, life is a cinch. Yard by yard, it’s very hard’. It’s a little ‘Dr Seuss’, but it works!
I don’t make major resolutions, because I know I will not follow through – but I always feel like January 1 is a new beginning, so I always try to start fresh, stay organized and to live generally better (and hope that it becomes a habit!!)
Smaller more manageable ways are always the stepping stones to success. biting off more than you can chew or taking on too much responsibility inevitably can lead to sensory overload or failure.
I think smaller manageable resolutions are the way to go. However, they should be adjusted every couple of months once you hit your milestones. Consistency is the only way to make changes, better changes.
To an extent, yes. Major changes are still going to be major. But other things can be smaller, like losing weight gradually.
I agree that babysteps are best, but I have made big resolutions this year. But, I’m still sticking with them!
Totally agree. Too many and large goals set you up for failure.
I know for myself, any change I like to take it slowly as if I get overwhelmed I just give up.
I do agree that smaller goals are the way to go. That way you feel accomplished when you do achieve them.
I think small more manageable goals are the way to go.
smaller is better .. its best to not be overwhelmed
Yes!! small steps so you are not overwelmed with the whole thing.
Yes definitely the smaller the better! I never make big resolutions because I never follow through!
I believe that you should set a resolution you know you can and will accomplish. Some people have the motivation and mind set to accomplish big goals while others do it, it’s all individual preference!
small changes lead to big victories. If you tackle to much change it can be overwhelming. Build confidence and willpower with small victories and you will be on your way to a better you.
I agree, easier to reach your goal!
Yes, small steps are the way to go. It’s more realistic that way. As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
My new years resolution is to be a better person and live life more to the full.
Smaller changes definitely help me stay on track. Not seeing results can be demotivating, so keeping things manageable is the way to go.
I think that smaller, more manageable changes are more likely to stick. Committing to 30 days with the new change is even more effective – not every change will work for everybody, but giving it a good shot helps to figure that out!
Yes, I agree baby steps to get you started! Making a start is often the hardest part. I started walking daily around the block just once and then I started going twice. It became a habit and routine and then I extended the walk to twice daily and now I walk further distance and enjoy it! Eating different to stay slimmer and healthy but I still need to organize and de clutter my home!!!!!
baby steps are small victories that are worth more then anyone can realize at that moment. All the baby steps create such momentum, allowing you to go forward and conquer your goals.
smaller steps work better-helps to see the progress!!
Guess I agree with you that smaller, more manageable changes are the way to go, especially if you’re able to replace one behavior with another. Haven’t made New Year’s resolutions in many years and think I’m much the happier for it.
I agree because it’s easy to get discouraged!