AS we come to the end of the year, it’s inevitably that time for a little self reflection.

I don’t know about you, but for me, once Christmas celebrations are out of the way, I like to use the final days of the year to sit back, reflect and think about the year that’s just gone by and what is possibly to come.

For many people January is a bleak month after the festivities of Christmas, but personally I’ve always rather loved it!

I love the way in which the New Year actively encourages us to make change, try something different, improve our lives or just hope for a better year.

2016 has been quite a challenge globally hasn’t it? There has been some dark days and I know for many people, personally they’ll be glad to see the back of this year.

As for me, well I can only say it’s been a real mixed bag! It’s been tough at times, for numerous reasons, but my surprise pregnancy with baby number two, means that I will be eternally gratefully for this year overall.

But yes, I too cannot wait for 2017.

I cannot wait for our baby boy to arrive.  I cannot wait to see my first book published. And I cannot wait to make some necessary changes, one of which will be to simplify my life and get off my phone!

Part and parcel of being a blogger is being continually active on social media channels, but as much as I love many things about social media, over the past 12 months or so I’ve really begun to notice how these instant social connections are often making me miss out on real human connection.

For instance, sometimes I’m so ‘busy’ chatting to strangers on social media, that I often forget about or neglect the people who I’m actually sat with and that’s something I desperately want to change.

If you also struggle with similar modern life challenges, then here’s a lovely video to help you feel inspired about working on a deeper level of human connection and living a simpler, happier life.

Grab a cuppa. Pop  your feet up for a few minutes or so and watch the video above and be inspired by the wonderful people of Okinawa Islands and how they live their fascinating lives.

(If you enjoy it, make sure you watch the rest of the powerful series here. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love it.)

*Disclaimer – This post was created in collaboration with the Okinawa Tourist Board but as always all opinions and words are my own.