The past few days have been a bit of a wake-up call for me. After pushing myself too hard, I found myself completely run down and forced to stop. It’s something I’m still learning—recognising when to pause and rest before I hit a wall. It’s not easy, especially when life feels so full, but these moments are a stark reminder that even the busiest of us need to recharge.   

 "Smudge, after a day of daring adventures, proving that rest and relaxation are just as important as action."  

 Now, as January draws to a close, I find myself standing in the kitchen once again, opening the window for what feels like the hundredth time today to let a cat in. And yet, in this small, mundane moment, I’m struck by a renewed sense of optimism. The worst of Storm Eowyn has swept through without too much trouble, leaving behind a calm stillness that feels like the start of something fresh. 

 ‘’I don't know why we keep letting this one in….’’ 

 Looking out into the garden, I can see signs of life beginning to stir. The days are noticeably longer, with those extra few minutes of daylight hinting at what’s to come. Bulbs are starting to push through the soil, and buds are appearing on the trees. These small changes might seem insignificant, but after the cold, damp, and dark days of winter, they’re a reminder that better days are ahead.  

 "Smudge, valiantly attempting to conquer the small tree—determined, if not entirely graceful!"  

 And that’s the thing about this time of year—it’s a time for hope and forward motion. Yes, we’re still in the depths of winter, but nature is already preparing for spring. It’s a gentle nudge to do the same in our own lives.  

   ‘’Smudge, my ever-curious companion, seems to share the same enthusiasm for growth and exploration. On a particularly blustery January day, I caught him braving the wind to climb the garden fence post—teetering and unsure, but determined. It reminded me that even when things feel unsteady, taking those small, bold steps forward is part of the process.’’

 So, it’s time to put my boots back on—literally and metaphorically—and get going again. But this time, I want to carry forward the lessons of the past few days. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Taking time to recharge isn’t about weakness, it’s about sustainability.

This year, I want to keep that balance in mind, and I encourage you to do the same. We all have moments when we feel like we’ve hit a wall, but just like the garden, we can find renewal in small, steady steps. Take time to rest when you need it. Look for those little signs of hope around you, even on the greyest days. And when you’re ready, lace up your boots and take that next step forward.

The better days are coming, and we’ll meet them stronger for having allowed ourselves the time to rest and grow.

  Here’s to moving forward—encouraged, renewed, and realistic about the journey ahead.