I’ve had a chat with a fellow dog walker this week and it’s led to me changing a couple of things in my life. It feels very positive.

I’ve given up baking. It has felt like a burden for a long time and it’s something I’ve dreaded doing so why have I been doing it?

My mother projected ideas on to me that echoed what she would have liked for herself. She was a good baker but I’m slightly better when it comes to bread. Thinking about what I should be baking and being frozen to the spot in the kitchen is coming to an end.

The second thing is coming from a family of readers who not only read but also hoard the books. I’m fed up of buying and hoarding books and that has come to an end today. The local charity shops have benefited from four big bags of books today and my living room looks fantastically tidy.

I will never get rid of books by Dave Hutchinson as he’s a dear friend and I truly love his writing.

So instead of reading things I don’t want to read and reading every day I’m going to be far more selective. If I’m in the kitchen I’m going to cook what I want and without guilt. I’m going to watch crap television if I want and I won’t be bothered about what anybody thinks of me.

It’s never too late to learn new tricks or claim back yourself. Watch this space.