Sarah Ferguson shares inspiring New Year message - and reveals her unexpected 2019 resolution

We can always rely on Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, for a burst of positivity and, as the New Year rang in, there was no exception.

The 59-year-old former royal took to her social media accounts to share an inspiring message of hope and happiness as 2019 began, alongside a sunny photo of herself decked out in a bright yellow ensemble.

Speaking to her 164,000 Instagram followers, the Duchess said, 'Happy Happy New Year 2019...Look forward with colour and courage. Thank you all for such a year of kindness in 2018 #newyear #2019'. And it's certainly the positive message we needed to start the year off right!

Of course, 2018 was a huge year for Fergie and her family. In October, her youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, married Jack Brooksbank in a ceremony at St. George's Chapel.

It was also the year that the Duchess was welcomed back to the royal fold, after years being held at arm's length.In 2011, Sarah was snubbed from Catherine and William's Royal Wedding, but last year saw the Duchess in attendance to see Prince Harry and Meghan tie the knot, reaffirming her place as a part of the family.

And it looks like this year will be just as special for Sarah, who revealed an unexpected resolution for 2019.

She posted a never-before-seen, candid photo of herself on her Instagram, alongside a caption sharing that she will be renewing her helicopter license in the upcoming months.

Referencing a recent interview, Fergie wrote, 'Thank you @telegraph for speaking to me about my charity @streetchilduk #countmein campaign and my plans to renew my helicopter licence #2019'.

Fans were delighted to hear about Sarah's big plans for the year ahead, with one writing, 'Well done on deciding to renew your helicopter licence... '

While another follower agreed, saying, 'Congratulations on moving to renew your license! You are an inspiration!'

The mum-of-two first won her helicopter wings back in 1987, in support of her then-husband Prince Andrew. At the time, the Duke of York was part of the Royal Navy, and flew helicopters while fighting in the Falkland Islands war in the early 80s.

She undertook the challenge in order to learn more about the pressures Prince Andrew faced as an army pilot. At the time, the Duke was open about how impressed he was with his then wife, and her dedication to the new hobby.

He said, "I am constantly surprised by her.

"I've sat in the back of the aircraft and it has been most interesting. Her determination to learn was absolutely fascinating."

But it wasn't Fergie's first time flying. A few months before she first got her license to fly a helicopter, she also won a private airplane pilot's license. Very impressive!