Tara's January Letter

As a brand New Year dawns, it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the past twelve months, without lingering there too long. Consider what you accomplished in the past year, what served you well and what you would like to let go.

Then look ahead with hope and faith. Resolutions are a thing of the past; the start of a New Year is instead a time for small intentions, or better still, affirmations. I prefer 'affirmations' to 'intentions': an affirmation feels so much more solid.

Writing and reflection

Each January I write a 'to-do' list to work towards in the coming months; writing things down makes all the difference. Journalling and writing in general have always been a pleasure, and this year I intend to do much more.

Writing is an escape to the inner landscape of the mind, the place where I truly connect with myself. It has always been my way to reflect and release emotions.

After all, even small steps towards achieving what we want may surprise us with unexpected rewards.

January is the time to embrace the indoors, especially on wet, gloomy days. Curl up with a beautifully scented candle and a notebook whose blank pages are waiting to be filled, and take the time to reflect and recharge your creative batteries.

Our home, our sanctuary

There is no better time than the New Year to think about the home, our sanctuary, and to celebrate the place that has given us so much joy over the festive period: the stage for family gatherings, parties, delicious feasts and so much more.

Decorate the home throughout the year, not just at Christmas, with lush foliage and branches from the garden. Foliage brightens the sombre days of January and fills the home with scent too.

Entertaining is not just for Christmas. Impromptu dinners with friends are one of my great pleasures: nothing formal, just casual, easy food that can be prepared simply, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the conversation and the occasion.

The simple things

In the last few years we have grown closer to our homes and more aware of what really matters. We have found pleasure in simple, everyday things, such as walks and an appreciation of nature and the wondrous world around us.

On that note, I am reading a wonderful book by Peter Wohlleben, 'The Secret Network of Nature', and recommend it wholeheartedly. It is fascinating and highly informative about the natural world around us.

In the words of Dame Joan Collins: take every day as an adventure, try to achieve something, and enjoy something. She has lived a remarkable life, and her words are wise. I intend to make them my mantra and remind myself of them each day.

The most important thing is to move with intention towards our goals and give them our best. If we fail, at least we know we tried.

Make this a New Year to remember, with new memories waiting to be made, and may it be peaceful and filled with positivity and light.