I took this picture to try to capture the breathtaking beauty of the Pentland Hills on the outskirts of Edinburgh when they are covered by snow.  It’s been almost 3 weeks now since the first snow fell and if anything it has been getting worse. But this is unusual for this part of the world and whilst it has made travel very difficult – if not impossible at times – for me that effect the covering of snow has had on the scenery is magical.

But the view of these hills is great all year round. It has taken the snow to remind me that I take that for granted.

As we step out into a new year –  with new challenges, opportunities and adventures – why not take time to reflect on what is affecting your view of the future?

• There might be a view of something that you are taking for granted. Why not take time to reflect on what you already think you know and look at it again?
• There might be something enhancing it right now. And  just as snow is beautiful  it can also throw up problems. So it is always a good idea to get as much information as possible and be prepared for the conditions .
• And to stretch the weather analogy to its limits sometimes I can’t see the hills for low cloud and if that is the situation for your view of the future right now it might be wise to wait until it clears a bit before you make any serious decisions?