No joking matter

Days ahead of a hesitant start to 2022, Julia Morris gives her thoughts on how to embrace an uncertain new year – and not get cancelled while doing it.

- TIFFANY DUNK

How are you feeling as we prepare to head into a new calendar year?

I’m feeling … tentative. I’m excited to be out of lockdown after two years in Victoria but without wanting to sound negative, I don’t hold great expectations for 2022. That’s not to say that it won’t be great, but the last two years have taught me that my expectations and hopes don’t actually have anything to do with how a year unfolds. So, this will be the year I let lead me, rather than going full steam ahead with my agenda.

Do you usually make resolutions on December 31?

No, I’m not really a New Year’s resolutions person. Every year I say, “Right, more money, less work.” Only half of that wish came true in 2021 – and I’ll leave you to figure out the mystery of which half. But I’ve definitely improved year-on-year as a human being, so maybe that’s the best I can hope for.

Given you co-host I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! each January, we’re guessing the first month of the year is a busy one for you?

Definitely! And it prepares me for the unknown because every day is a forever-changing landscape, whether we are in Australia or South Africa. It also prepares you for the year because it means any other job you take on is a complete pleasure because it won’t be nearly as hard.

You have always been a bit of a grafter, though ...