Having caught up with some much-needed sleep following this years New Year’s Eve get-together, it’s safe to say that time spent with true friends can be just the tonic you need.

On New Year’s Eve as we all sat relaxing and chatting around the table, my young God-daughter Isla came out with a statement that stopped us all in our tracks. “It’s important to have friends.”

A young soul, with an insight far beyond her years reminded us as to what was truly important.

I’m sure you will all agree that being surrounded by the right friends can have a positive influence on our health and wellbeing.

As we all head into 2017, many of us with a long list of future plans and goals to achieve, it’s the people we are closest to that will help us to make the journey worthwhile.

In addition to this, a plan of positive things to look forward to gives us purpose which in itself has health benefits.

We are, without doubt, at our most vulnerable once we have achieved – and have nothing else to aim for or look forward to.

For me, by the end of the week, it’s most likely that I will have broken at least three of my New Year resolutions and probably four of The 10 Commandments.

But by this time next month, I will be using the original notches that came with my belt. With some friendly encouragement of course . . .