Bucket lists – do you have one? Is it something you ever think about? I don’t have anything physically written down, but recently I was in the most wonderful position where I knew hands down I was ticking something off mine.

I have watched the BBC’s film review show since I can remember, from the loved and trusted Barry Norman during his 26-year reign, to Jonathan Ross, then Claudia Winkleman. So, imagine my surprise/joy/euphoria/fear/all of the above when I was asked to host an episode for the last series of Film 2016. No thought or hesitation was involved – it was an immediate, definitive ‘YES PLEASE’. The reality of the situation was better than I could have ever hoped for. The films we were talking about were interesting and full of obvious discussion points, and my fellow co-hosts Danny Leigh and Peter Bradshaw were warm, entertaining and full of encouragement.

I hadn’t slept much in the days leading up to the show – a mixture of nerves and excitement. And then I found myself facing insomnia after I’d hosted it, because I’d had such a good time.

These days I feel blessed to be in the position I’m in with work, as I’m enjoying it more than I have in a long time. I’m not sure exactly why this is, but my experience with Film 2016 led me to really think about what can be achieved in life.

I had wanted to host that show for years, and I knew I could do it, but never in my wildest dreams did I actually think it would happen.

INSPIRING STORY

Do you still have dreams? I’m making the most of my experiences – why not? There shouldn’t be a time or age when your ambition expires. Recently I was lucky enough to spend some time with Gareth Edwards, the director of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. He’s a proper gent, kind and very funny, and also hugely talented. The fact that his third feature film is a Star Wars movie is a phenomenal and inspiring story.

Particularly when you consider that 1977’s Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope was the reason he wanted to make films in the first place, after seeing it at the age of four. To him, it proved that if you dream big and want something badly enough, work hard and have a little patience, your dreams can come true. But he remains very humble about his experience and opportunity. And there’s something incredibly healthy about recognising the unexpected happening in life – it keeps you grounded and balanced.

POSITIVE THINKING

Approach your dreams with grace and determination, rather than aggression and arrogance. This obviously applies to work, but can apply to personal goals, too.

Whether it is travelling, learning skills, building bridges or mending bridges, there is always something to be said for a positive attitude.

I’m not suggesting for a minute that you drown in aspiration, but setting yourself goals, and jotting them down somewhere, is a constructive thing to do – think of it as your ‘Life To Do List’. You might surprise yourself with what you include.

It’s a lovely way to skip into the new year by thinking ahead, while acknowledging the unpredictable present.

Share your thoughts with me @edibow and @BalanceLDN