I have come across this phrase a few times recently and wondered where it originated. It has been attributed to Sรธren Kierkegaard (1813 – 1855), a Danish philosopher. He believed that life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.
If we were having coffee, Iโm sure we could have an entertaining, philosophical discussion around this topic. However, Iโm thinking simply in terms of my blog! The gallery below shows an image from each month of 2025.












The photos above represent me looking backwards, so what about looking forward? The year started well with a stay in the City of London. My eldest son and his wife share a birthday – January 2nd – so we had a fabulous family celebration, which included my youngest son and his girlfriend. My daughter-in-law’s mother and her fiancรฉ also joined in the fun.
We began the evening in Shoreditch in a bar called Flight Club. Here, high-tech social dart games are played with automatic scoring. I think it was excellent fun!ย We moved on to Madison, a rooftop restaurant at the top of One New Change, with stunning views across the City. The view of St Paul’s is spectacular, but I was too busy enjoying myself to take any photos!
As our hotel was a five-minute walk from St Paul’s, I managed to snatch a few shots. These were taken on our walk alongside the Thames, from near Blackfriars station, to Waterloo Station.






Having spent about twenty years living in or near London, I sometimes forget how wonderful a city it can be!
Looking further ahead, we plan to return to France in April, with the intention of selling our house. More on this later! Do you have any plans/projects for 2026, or are you more of a ‘go with the flow’ kind of person?!

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interesting idea. Maybe it means only by looking back can we learn by our mistakes?
What a shme you are going to sell your house in France. ๐ฆ The lifestyles are so different.
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We won’t stop having extended periods of time in France, we’ll rent somewhere instead & not have the hassle/stress of maintaining two homes – that’s the theory anyway!
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Hey, I left a comment and it disappeared ๐ฆ
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I think it’s reappeared, or you wrote it again! Joys of WP…
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Wishing you a very Happy New Year June.
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And to you, Marion. I’m just catching up with your fabulous Canada posts and wondering where you’ll be travelling this year!
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I love this post and your photos. Wishing you the best on your plans for the new year! As for me, Iโd like to start guitar lessons again. ๐ถ
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Thank you so much, Darlene! Good luck with the guitar. I’m hoping to progress a bit faster with my Portuguese.
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Wishing you a fabulous year full of grand adventures! And let’s enjoy a few croissants along the way! ๐
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I hope 2026 brings you lots of joy and adventures. Yes, to croissants, especially almond ones!
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I think we look back so we can move forward?
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Indeed…
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I’ll be going with the flow in 2026. Looking forward to following your adventures in France. Renting sounds a great plan, lots of freedom to explore different areas.
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I like the idea of going with the flow, anonymous! I’m glad you think renting in France is a good idea. I’m looking forward to not only staying in other areas of France but travelling to other countries too – fingers crossed! Thanks for your comment!
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Excellent photos. It’s always been an ambition to go to St Paul’s, you’ve inspired me to make it happen.
Thank you for your encouraging comment! If you get the opportunity, you should definitely visit St Paulโs and the surrounding area.
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How odd, Paul! Not your comment, but the fact that my reply has ended up as part of your original comment. No idea how that happened!
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Yes it did confuse me for a moment there. Weird. But thanks for your reply!
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Gosh, June. This post slipped through the net. Your city break sounds absolutely fabbie. Your pics are great xxxxxxx
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No worries ๐ The mini city break was fab, and I’m glad you like the pictures xx
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