January’s Theme: Joyful Moments
So another year comes to an end, it’s been a challenging one for me but ultimately a very positive and transformative 12 months.
I’ve learned a lot about myself, largely through working closely with the wonderful Jean Dow, an inspiring medical herbalist. I contacted Jean after I was told I had severe osteoporosis in my spine, after a routine DEXA Scan, and was advised to start medication immediately. I saw this as an opportunity to reassess my health on every level, address nutritional imbalances, manage my stress levels more effectively and start weight bearing and resistance exercises regularly.
Switching away from the problem to focus on a solution was game changing for me, it felt empowering and gave me a real focus and an opportunity to prove that my body is capable of healing itself. I believe this 100%.
My health is my most important asset- I make it a priority. Consequently, I am starting 2026 in a much more enlightened way, making time to relax and do the things that bring me joy. So, our theme is Joyful January; an invitation to look for special moments within our daily lives, which are always there if we look for them.
Relish the simple things, like watching the birds, trying a new recipe, listening to music, journaling, spending time with friends, reading a new book, joining the library, going for a mindful walk or moving our body in any way that feels good. On (another) wet rainy day, listen to the raindrops and appreciate the beauty of the sound, knowing that Spring will be all the more green and glorious because of it. Little moments are really quite big when we take notice and give them space.
January is really not the time to start restrictive diets, and denying ourselves nourishing food. It’s still the depths of winter, we need to stay warm, eat warming food, hydrate with hot drinks, get early nights and rest. So often we make unrealistic resolutions we can’t keep so let’s just accept ourselves exactly as we are, and look for the joyful moments this January.
We brought in the New Year in a beautiful house in Ardfern with my family, enjoying delicious food, playing games, having a laugh and going on country walks!
A big thanks to everyone who bought my e book Almanac for SAMH, we raised £2400 for this most worthwhile charity which is absolutely brilliant.
I’ll be stepping slowly and mindfully into 2026, reminding myself to slow down and be gentle; life isn’t a race, rather it’s an evolving journey of self-exploration, of letting go, moving forwards or, sometimes just staying still and taking stock of where we are and what we have achieved. Meet yourself where you are; it’s where you’re meant to be.
I wish you all good health and happiness this year, thank you for being on this journey with me!
In good health,
Janice xx
