BELIEVE it or not, I had a column written and almost ready for January way back before Christmas.

In an uncharacteristic display of forward planning, I’d written a look back at the local and national news highlights and lowlights of 2015 in the style of a song parody. I’d even spoken to local bands about recording it and sharing their performances on our website.

I like to think some readers would have enjoyed it. I’m fairly sure some would have hated it, and I’m absolutely certain supporters of every political party would have found something to complain about within it.

However, as the events of the last few weeks unfolded, it became clear that a flippant comic song would hardly be appropriate, as families and businesses counted the cost of devastating flooding in York, Tadcaster and across North Yorkshire, so I decided to rip it up and start again.

Over Christmas, I watched a documentary which has stuck in my mind, and as I thought about alternative topics, I realised it could be ideal.

The Possibilities Are Endless follows former Orange Juice front man and solo artist Edwyn Collins as he recovers from a pair of near-fatal cerebral haemorrhages. When he woke up, he could only say four phrases: “yes”, “no”, “Grace Maxwell” (his wife’s name), and “the possibilities are endless”.

The film begins as a fragmented, woozy affair, with delirious visuals and Collins’ stroke-affected stream of consciousness narration adding to the otherworldly feel, almost as if the viewer is experiencing his life-changing experience first-hand.

As it continues, the documentary style becomes more straightforward, reflecting Collins’ incredible recovery to the point where he can walk, talk, write, draw and even go on tour with new music. He has since released three albums, two of which were created from scratch after his illness.

It’s an incredible story, genuinely moving, and made me realise just how strong the human spirit can be.

I watched it before the flooding started, but I was in Tadcaster and York as the water receded and saw the communities work together to clear out flood-damaged homes and businesses, and those unaffected rallying alongside them to provide food, clothing, and support.

At this time of year, it’s very easy to talk and joke about resolutions. They’re made and broken as an annual tradition before the shops have even started selling Valentine’s Day cards.

When people around you are talking about losing half a stone by their summer holiday, or trying not to drink as much as they usually do, the usual tactic is to smile and nod and remember never to ask them about it again.

But if you’re standing in the damp, dirty and ruined space that used to be your living room while everyone’s banging on about the gym they’re thinking about joining, or how amazing they feel after giving up bread for a day, it must be tough to give a damn.

Maybe that’s when we have to take stock of what we have, and try to look objectively at what’s been lost.

Collins lost some movement and motor skills, but over time and with the love, patience and support of his wife, therapists and fans regained his speech, his mobility, and his career. In many ways, he’s a different man now, but he’s a man who almost lost everything and fought his way back.

The flood victims will too. Some people reading this may have lost a television, a sofa, a record collection and carpets. That’s a massive inconvenience, but they can be replaced. You might have lost family photos or sentimental items, and that’s certainly more tragic.

Families and businesses suffered greatly due to the flooding, and the clean-up is going to be a long and arduous task. But with the support of the community, assistance from insurance companies, the authorities, and pure Yorkshire grit, everything will eventually be rebuilt and in many cases, improved.

None of us can predict what life has in store for us next, all we can do is make the best of our situations.

Sit down with a blank piece of paper and a pen and see what happens. Get in touch with a friend or family member and arrange to meet up. Go somewhere you’ve never been, even if it’s just a village down the road.

For all the time we’re alive, we can make new memories. We can create new sentimental treasures. If you want a resolution for 2016, why not make it that?