Happy New Year one and all

As you read this newsletter I am sat at Nuremberg airport waiting to fly back to England.  As I write this newsletter it's actually Christmas Eve!  Here's to a wonderful year ahead and a January in which we are kind to ourselves before all else.  Much love and blessings, Nic   

Curl up with a book - anything by Donna Ashworth

I love Donna's beautiful way with words and often gift one of her books to special people in my life (I have ''Joy chose you'' underneath the Christmas tree for me!).  Donna began sharing her poetry online in lockdown and published her first book in response to requests from followers.  Donna can tell you so much better than me what writing means to her and why it is so moving to read...

''I write to keep my mindset focused on the light.  A survival tactic turned into a passionate purpose.  My poetry and quotes are simple, heartfelt, message driven and hopefully go straight to the soul.  It is my mission to provide words that can be used everyday, as well as in those moments life hits hardest.  Words carry what they are and poetry is not just for literary minded poetry buffs, it can be used in so many ways to simply ease the rub of this life - a balm if you like. It's a rocky ride, this world, and I would like to think poetically arranged words are like medicine for soul-flu. A hug on a page.  A glimmer in the grey.  A reminder that even in the worst of times there is hope, there is light and there are others who have been where you are.''

My favourite listen this week - How to make 2026 your best year yet 

You know how much I love Mel Robbins.  I listened to this podcast in the week before Christmas  - it was a gentle reminder of the practice of reflecting on where you were/are in order to create where you want to be.  Years ago when I wrote a blog I remember having a gentle New Year ritual of answering 10 questions about the year past.  I documented 2017 in this blog post and what a lovely reminder it was to re-read that just now.  Mel Robbins has been practicing her version of reflection for 20 years and has created a simple 'Best Year' workbook which can be downloaded from her website here.  I'm a great believer in the power of journalling to shine a light on your own wisdom and will be packing my note book to take to Germany.  The process of reflection helps you get clear about what you want and the steps needed to make it happen.  It's so much more impactful than thinking of a few wishful intentions in January that leave you feeling like a failure come February. 

If you're in a headspace where everything feels overwhelming, it's ok if you're thinking ''I can't do that''.  I do love Mel's suggestion to look back through your camera roll though as you might be surprised to see you achieved more than you think you did or had some beautiful highlights you forgot about in the fallout of some hard recent times.  A simple invitation to reflect could be to have a piece of paper and a pen to hand when you scroll through your photos.  What was 2025 like for you?  1/ what were your heart smile moments/highlights?  2/ what was hard?  3/ what did you learn in those moments of joy/challenge?  4/ what would you like to experience more of/less in 2026? 

My heart smile moments this winter break have been precious family time.  We played lots of Yatzhee and Luca's new ''favourite game of all time'' Hero Slam.  I hope the boys cherish the memories of this time together as much as we do. 

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. 

warm wishes, Nic