Weekly Round-Up: The New Year’s Edition
Happy New Year and welcome to the first blog round-up of 2026.
As the year opens, many of the reflections shared this week move away from resolution-making and toward something more sustaining — intention and presence.
Philippa returns to her long-held practice of choosing three guiding words to shape the year ahead, a ritual she has carried for 17 years. She reflects on how Orchestration, Horizon, and Constellation guided her through 2025, before introducing her new companions for 2026 — Sandlark, Honour, and Curate — words that speak to curiosity, wellbeing, and living with care and attention.
Barbara reflects on what made this past holiday season especially meaningful for her. Rather than gifts or tradition, it was the depth of connection, conversation, and shared presence with loved ones that stood out.
That gentle pace continues in Abigail‘s reflection on the quiet passing of the holidays and the unhurried arrival of the new year. After a challenging 2025, she describes how rest, time with family, and space to reflect felt deeply restorative, offering a calmer way to cross the threshold into 2026.
Beth too, sets aside resolutions, choosing instead to begin the year back in her studio. She shares the process of finishing her 2025 mountainscape, including the small, human moments of revision — and her daughter’s observation that one tree appeared to be “doing the wave.” It’s a tender reminder that creativity, patience, and humour can be powerful companions as a new year begins.
Finally, this week, Connie reflects on a quieter transition into 2026, one marked not by new resolutions but by continuity and presence. She considers the importance of ongoing priorities — family, friendships, and writing — and reflects on how she wants to be in the year ahead, letting go of idealism and meeting life’s messiness with acceptance.
May the year ahead bring steadier health, gentle growth, and moments of connection that sustain you — in both expected and unexpected ways.
Much love always
Marie xxx
Thank you so much for sharing my words and for your continued support and encouragement, Marie. How on earth did we reach 17 years of words?
Thank you for everything you do to nurture this wonderful community. All the very best for 2026. 💙
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Dearest Philippa I love how you have remained so faithful to this lovely tradition – here’s to the next 17 years! Marie x
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