Four individuals standing in front of a lighthouse, with overcast skies in the background. The lighthouse is white with a red band near the top. The people are dressed in cold-weather clothing, with hoods and scarves.

Every New Years Day we go to Portland Bill as a family tradition to “blow away” the old year (good or bad, we recognise it’s come to an end) and recognise the beginning of a new year and a time to reflect, re-address learn and renew.

Usually the weather is terrible which just adds to the experience as you get heavy waves, moody skies and sparse scenery against the backdrop of the striking striped lighthouse.

A traditional white lighthouse with a red base, surrounded by a grassy area with wooden posts connected by ropes, under a cloudy sky. There’s a white building adjacent to the lighthouse and more buildings in the background.

We do a lap, take some photos, talk and then try and find a coffee somewhere, drop in on family on the way home and generally have a relaxed and reflectful day.

Obelisk monument on rocky coastline against a cloudy sky. Waves are visible hitting the shore.

The rain was terrible this year and we were soaked by the time we finished up, but we still had a great time.

Rocky shore with waves crashing against a large, solitary rock formation in the sea, under a foggy sky.

A white and red lighthouse with a glass lantern room on top, standing behind large rocks under an overcast sky.

The scenery reminds me of the scenery in game Death Stranding itself inspired by Iceland as you get these weather-worn sparse hills where only the most hardy things can survive the wind and sea that dominates the area. It’s a really beautiful place and shows a totally different side to itself in summer when the wind is calm and the grass fields are lush. It’s an area I love to see change and evolve with the seasons as we visit.

Sparse grassy hills on a foggy day as small cottages loom in the distance

2023 I have to say was a good year for us overall. We’ve had some Challenging times but also some amazing times like finally fulfilling my dream of visiting Japan.

My work continues to be enjoyable and I’m proud of decision I made a few years back to pivot my career to improve my mental health. As I grow and evolve myself I know it was the right decision not only for me, but the people I care about.

My children are growing up into young men, and seeing the consideration and kindness they can show as they begin to make their own journeys into adulthood makes me really proud.

Here’s to 2024, good or bad, eventually it’ll blow away and make way for even more renewals.