Reflections on the Year

Summing up one year of activity is something that I approach with some trepidation, so I will write things not in chronological order but in the order that appears to me as I write this document. Ultimately, this year I achieved what many thought was impossible: to conceive, execute, and publish a 300-page book about village life in three villages close to where I reside.

I got the idea on the first of September. My first interview was on the 15th, and the finished article was edited and published on the 25th of November. Frankly, I don’t think most of the villagers expected me to actually produce a book, but thanks to KDP Kindle Direct Publishing, the printing arm of Amazon, I was able to achieve this without too much trouble.

I used an app to record and transcribe interview material and used ChatGPT to analyse and précis it. For aspiring writers, it’s worth understanding that Amazon is not a marketing service but a fulfilment engine with a sales portal. This whole project gave me focus in an area I instinctively fell in love with when I chanced upon it a few years ago.

Well-meaning though the project was, it seemed to unsettle some villagers. Change has a way of rattling chains. Most greeted me with goodwill, and I’ll focus my energy there.

I believe we are sent lessons by the universe. Once we learn what we’re meant to, it’s time to move on. Like sowing seeds—you prepare the soil, plant them, they grow or don’t, and then it’s time to move forward.

My diary entries have been sporadic due to the demands of the book. But now, as things quieten down around the holidays, I’m taking a two-and-a-half-week break and will return to work on the 5th of January. It’s a time for reflection when the world pauses, and that suits me well.

I get inspiration from various sources online, especially YouTube and Rumble. I’m drawn to C. G. Jung, Alan Watts, and Edgar Cayce. I’ve had my fill of fear-based news, especially after years of Covid saturation. At some point, you step back. If people don’t see things now, they probably never will.

My eyesight isn’t what it used to be. Daylight helps; artificial light, not so much. I’m lucky to be supported by excellent care at RUH Bath, although I now need separate appointments for macular injections. Health-wise, my joints are a bit creaky, but I’ve started taking CBD oil, which seems to help.

On a broader level, I’m concerned about freedom. I read recently about a woman in Canada visited by 11 police while she was in the bath, simply for expressing an opinion in a private message. It’s a sign of creeping authoritarianism.

Here in the UK, I worry that our Prime Minister is leaning into suppression. At what point will thinking become a crime? Fear is used to stop people thinking. Sadly, it works.

At the same time, people are waking up—farmers, citizens pushing back against digital currency. But will they be heard? I’m not optimistic for 2026, but I’ll continue writing and meeting people.

Last night, I worked at the London New Year’s fireworks display. It’s New Year’s Day now. I noted with dismay that the Mayor of London removed the Star of David from a flag. He was rightly criticised. Meanwhile, Parliament Hill in Hampstead was closed for safety due to a stabbing in 2022. If we follow that logic, we might as well close London entirely.

Politically, I believe Sir Keir Starmer is pushing a globalist agenda. He seems to have little regard for those he claims to serve. When he met with BlackRock executives just days after his election, it was clear that deals were already in place. His excuse that he was “unable” to speak with farmers was telling.

I explored a number of ventures this past year: starting a writing group, helping someone with their website and subscriber list, and of course, publishing *Secrets of Village Life in Somerset* at the end of November. It’s on Amazon—just search my name, Brian Snellgrove. Reaction has been subdued, but that may be down to the timing—just before Christmas.

I’m also working on a new book, possibly titled *Three Hundred Ways to Improve Village Life*. I’ve found technology a huge ally—ChatGPT and Otter helped immensely with the 35 interviews I conducted. Otter transcribes and summarises, while ChatGPT cleans and refines text. I was able to send draft interviews back for review within two hours.

Technology, like a hammer, is neutral. You can use it to harm or to build. For me, it’s a tool—and a brilliant one.

KDP, once seen as vanity publishing, is now a powerful tool. Submit your book properly, and it can be published in hours. Better yet, you can update it by resubmitting the manuscript—no stockpiles of unsold books in the garage. Print on demand is here to stay.

I view my book as a work of art. Sales don’t define its worth. It exists and holds its own.

My calendar is clear apart from medical appointments, but I trust the universe will fill it with opportunities. I’m reminded to return to my aphorism collection—around 250 and counting. I enjoy varying the tone and structure according to their content. They come naturally to me.

Back to politics—hatred binds us to what we oppose. So, I aim to think not just outside the box but above it. Seek the universal truths, like flying at 35,000 feet where the sky is clearer. That, I believe, is the only way to remain sane in these times.