Welcome back properly

We arrived home from Germany on Monday night after a week of wonderful family time, fun and lots of food!  It was a white Christmas there and the boys were delighted to build a snowman (in the dark) as soon as we arrived at my sister-in-laws near Nuremberg.  It was a quick gear shift to get back to school and work but the week was soon over and I was glad to see the weekend again. I wonder how long the suitcase will remain on the landing?  Is it just me?   I'm always quick to unpack and get the washing on and then the remaining 20% of our stuff lingers in piles around the house for a good few weeks!

Energy levels are a bit slumpish in January don't you think?  There are some thoughts below on why this time of year can feel so hard - we should be wintering not resolving to start new things!  Be sure to take those little moments of pause for yourself - far from being selfish or indulgent they are the grounded and firm footing we need to keep all those plates spinning (or decide it's time to lay a few down!)

Much love and blessings, Nic   

Wintering and why hibernating is has its merits

I love the energy of the new year, or rather the resetting of the days to 01/01.  I don't set new years resolutions as whenever younger me did they'd fall flat after a few weeks. It wasn't laziness or lack of will power I realise now but the wrong timing. I enjoyed reading this article recently about why new beginnings in the dead of winter may not be such a great idea. 

''January is not a time for beginnings.  It is not a time for initiative or turning over a new leaf.  It's not even an enjoyable time to have a party.  Too dark, too cold.  This is the time to hibernate, not change a damn thing, stay the course, survive, eat stew, snuggle and sleep''.

Apparently the Roman calendar originally started on the 21st March with the Spring equinox and lasted for 10 months.  The 61 days from mid January to mid March were not marked at all and had no name. I'm learning that for me January is a time to nourish the body, slowly and gently while turning the wheels of intention mentally for what I'd like to be energised for and excited about in the Spring.  This month I am ''wintering'' - accepting the dark and cold with calm resillience and focusing on my inner world to weather what the world brings. 

This doesn't mean I am being sluggish or lazy with what I hope to achieve.  I am journalling my intentions for the coming month still and noting with gratitude 3 things daily.  I am tracking my food, water and steps because it helps me to keep focused.  If I don't meet the apps suggested daily targets I'm ok with that because at least I am acting mindfully and with more care.  I am feeling more rested and positive for listening to the rhythm my body needs.  I'm definitely someone who needs visual prompts so lists (and lots of lovely ticks) are my friends at the moment!

How are you feeling going into deep winter?  What small acts of kindness are you doing for yourself?

Curl up with a book - The 6 minute diary

I was gifted this great 6 minute diary by my niece in Kim.  I didn't have much time to look at it while we were away but now I am home I have enjoyed taking 6 minutes in the  morning to reflect on what I am grateful for, how I will make my day great and a positive affirmation for the day.  In the evening I am asked what my good deeds were, what I learned and what great things I experienced.  There is also a weekly task the first of which is to email my future self about where I am on this day and what I hope to achieve in 6 months time.   

It's not a new concept to journal your thoughts but to send them to yourself at a future date is a new idea for me, perhaps it is for you too?  Did you know there are websites dedicated to this messaging service, like FutureMe.org.  What a fab offer this is too for people who may have a life limiting health condition and won't be there for future birthdays of loved ones. FutureMe have delivered over 20 million letters in the last 20 years and all you have to do is

Write. Pick a date. Send. Verify. That’s it 😊 

Hydrating with Skin Food

You know how much I love the Skin Food range for everything from cleanser to oil to face creams to body lotion.  Weleda have a few Skin Food gift sets left from Christmas and you can get 10% off them through my webshop.  There is also a January sale with 10% off natural medicines, the 400ml shower washes and the new Hydra shine hair care range.  If you have any questions please message me or browse my webshop using the links above.  

This month's free gift for baskets over £60 is the 200ml Inspire pomegranate shower wash.  Postage is free on all orders over £40.  And if you're a fan of the natural deodorant sticks two will be added to your basket when you spend over £15 (the Eucalyptus and Peppermint deo stick and the unfragranced sensitive one)   These offers are available until the end of the month. 

Sometimes the things that make my heart smile are the simplest, silly little things.  At the airport on Monday, when our flight from Germany was delayed because of the fluttering of snow in London, we sat and ate these little crisps.  They were given to us by my sister-in-law Nina and are called Jumpy's - perfectly formed little Kangaroo snacks.  I was amazed that not a single one was crushed after 2 hours in my bag and they really brightened up our wait!  

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. 

warm wishes, Nic