Seeing beauty in our trials + triumphs
Unearthing the duality of life + sharing the next steps for my Brand Seasons publication
Next year is shaping up to be a lot of fun—with the release of the Playdeck, the launch of my Playgroup, and a few surprises in the works. But before diving into all things new, I’m taking a moment to think on the last 12 months.
This year has been one of big wins and quiet battles. My creative plans unfolded beyond my expectations, bringing ideas I’ve nurtured for years into being. But here’s the thing: we can be thriving in some ways and just about surviving in others.
For me, the triumphs ran in parallel to a season of deep personal work. When I began CBT to help navigate CPTSD, it triggered an unravelling. Facing a diagnosis of any kind can feel isolating, and I carried guilt for struggling when, outwardly, my life may have appeared different.
Looking back, I see how unkind I was being to myself, because there is duality in the human experience. We hold many, many truths. And I can also see the blending of light and shade, how the side projects I tended to weren’t just business tasks to complete; they were creative tools for healing in a season of navigating emotional and physical pain.
Learnings
Despite experiencing setbacks, as we approach 2025, I feel like I’m stepping into the most “me” version of myself—someone I value, someone I respect.
Much of this growth is thanks to the people around me, so I want to take a moment before the bells chime to say thank you—for being a These Are The Days client, a Kickstarter supporter, or This Creative Life contributor. For lifting me on the hard days and cheering me on the good ones.
Whether you’ve been a subscriber, a collaborator, or even a silent critic, I’m grateful for the lessons and the learnings.
Knowings
Two things I’m embracing as one year folds into another are the power of alignment and intention. I started with the Winter Talisman Retreat, generously created by
, and I now plan to delve into the Soulful Strategy Guide curated by .At first, it felt hard to focus or release into the retreat. There’s been a real sense of stuckness in this liminal space. But sometimes, we have to keep connecting pen to paper and head to heart. With gentle nudges, we find our way.
After surrendering to the process, around four or five days in, my compass word surprisingly revealed itself: knowing. I may share more about what “knowing“ means for me, but it already feels like a soothing balm and a soft bolster for the year ahead.
“Sarah is a generous spirit, her writing is always deeply thoughtful and considered with connection and collaboration with others at its heart.”
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,A new season
As mentioned in my most recent post, I’m excited to bring my focus back to the turning of the seasons and begin writing about curiosity, creativity, and connection again.
Articles about branding and business may pop up from time to time, with deeper explorations of strategy, styling, and storytelling now sitting behind my paywall alongside my personal writing. Resources for the Brand Seasons® Playdeck will also have a dedicated online spot, and if you’re interested in your own pocket-sized source of brand wisdom and guidance, pre-orders are still open for dispatch on Monday, 6th January.
This realignment invites space for creativity and allows me to support you through Brand Seasons in ways that feel meaningful, playful and sustainable.
A new playground
Substack, to me, is time for play. This year, I launched a podcast, produced a card deck and mini zine, and formed my first group experience, a space for 25+ women to explore the Brand Seasons® Playdeck together and find brand confidence alongside a community of creatives.
As a designer, mentor and writer with nearly two decades in business, I’ve seen how collaboration and community can transform how we show up in the world. I also know how vital playfulness and possibility are in the process of making a life that helps us get up in the morning.
Believe me, I do. There was a time when I wanted nothing more than to hide away, to keep my ideas stowed rather than share. But the Substack community has helped me breathe life into them, and I’m excited to keep exploring—especially through my writing practice.
What to expect as a subscriber
Free subscribers
I share regular articles and essays and love a playlist. You can also enjoy:
Diaries: behind the scenes of my creative practice and process
Features: occasional guest posts, including Notelets on Nurture
Podcast: regular solo reflections and guest conversations
Paid subscribers
In addition to the diaries, features and podcast, you can benefit from access to:
Story Time: A seasonal reflection with lessons and learnings in the form of a private podcast
Press Play: A quarterly co-creating session to foster belonging and community, focus and action
Brand Thread: A monthly AMA post focused on branding and business plus access to my bank of resources
I recommend a year-long membership as there's immense value in moving through the seasons together. The subscription is intentionally light touch so as not to overwhelm but encourage you. I don’t want this to be yet another to-do but a supportive space that you can realistically learn something from and do something with, in your own time and in your own way.
Founding members
As well as enjoying the free and paid benefits, you can book a Brand Seasons® Playdate: a 90-minute call to tackle a branding challenge, plus a follow-up email with insights and actions.
“Sarah cuts through the noise and helps make building your own brand feel less overwhelming. Dare I say it, but her prompts and worksheets make it more fun!”
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How did 2024 unfold for you? In what ways did it challenge you? And how did it support you?
I’d love to welcome you into the fold and make 2025 a year of curiosity, creativity and connection.
“ I feel like I’m stepping into the most “me” version of myself—someone I value, someone I respect.” This made me SO happy 🥰
As always Sarah, your words connect deeply and with a sense of nurturing, of yourself and for those who read. X