Wrapping up with reflections + a merry mixtape
Easing back into the writing life with thoughts on the past 18 months + the promise of a blank page
How are you finding stillness this festive season? I had planned to close the studio doors for a two-week break—to rest, reflect, and recharge—but life had other plans.
My last week of work was unexpectedly busy after taking on a new project at short notice, so I prioritised clients, leaving the assembly of the Brand Seasons® Playdeck to that quiet spell between Christmas and Hogmanay.
While I look forward to seeing the kids and their happy faces on Christmas morning and spending time with family, there’s something about that space after the main event that feels like a gift. I treasure the simplicity of those days.
When we’re not napping, playing, walking, or trying to remember what day it is, I love to coorie up with a hot cocoa, a warm blanket, and a good book. This year, I’m doing things a little differently—dotting my days with collating and packaging card decks, while feeling grateful that this project, once just an idea, will now be in your hands!
Nurturing a sense of community
Last Monday, I joined a few friends online to mark the end of Gathering Stories, a seasonal co-working space I created with Laura Blume two years ago. This final session began with journaling and reflection, a chance to lean into the promise of a blank page.
There’s real warmth in these moments of community and connection. So as one chapter ends, I’ve been thinking about how I can continue nurturing that sense of belonging—both by creating spaces of my own and joining the spaces of others. This will first come to life through the Brand Seasons® Playgroup, starting mid-January, as well as the experiences I’m investing in, including:
Reclaiming Home with
Create your Content Library with Hannah Isted
What excites me most about these communities is the freedom to dip in and out as needed. And while I’ve chosen not to commit to long-term programmes, I feel ready to hold that space for others as I host my first group experience.
Making time for creativity
In recent weeks, I’ve felt pangs of envy when I notice people carving out time for themselves. Yes, it’s pretty uncomfortable, but I know these feelings are invitations for growth—a reminder to honour what I have and ask for what I need.
Reflecting on how closely my creative and business selves are intertwined, I feel ready to bring more separation between Brand Seasons and my design studio, These Are The Days. I hope this will make room for the exploration I’m longing for—a chance to nurture my inner writer.
Moving forward, my focus is returning to writing about curiosity, creativity, and connection. Articles about branding and business may appear occasionally, and deeper explorations of strategy, styling, and storytelling will now live behind my paywall along with my personal writing.
Resources for the Brand Seasons® Playdeck will also have a dedicated online spot, and if you’re interested in coveting your very own pocket-sized source of brand wisdom and guidance, pre-orders are still open for dispatch on Monday 6th January.
This realignment is my way of making room for my creative side projects and serving through Brand Seasons and These Are The Days in a way that feels enjoyable and sustainable.
Learning along the way
If I had to choose one word to describe the past few months it would be “integral.” Autumn was a busy season, which was necessary to take the next steps in my business.
Running my Brand Seasons Kickstarter campaign brought exciting opportunities, not just from the crowdfunder but also through the relationships built along the way. I had to take advantage of them before they drifted away.
Overall, it’s been an eventful 18 months since the seeds of Brand Seasons were first sown, and I’ve naturally found myself thinking about all that’s unfolded. This time has taught me a lot, so I thought I’d share some of the lessons with you.
Honour your starting point. Beginnings, no matter how small, deserve to be celebrated.
Nurture your foundations. Strong roots support lasting growth, so take the time to tend to yourself.
Offer what you wish to receive. Embody the qualities—kindness, respect, support—you want to attract.
Make time for play. It is a vital ingredient for embracing your creativity.
Follow your own beat. Honour your rhythm, especially during busy seasons.
Be gentle with yourself. Your inner voice shapes your inner landscape.
Protect your peace. Saying no creates space for an embodied yes.
View hurdles as thresholds. Challenges often signal doorways to growth.
Acknowledge the small wins. Even the tiniest of steps can keep you motivated.
Trust in the quiet times. Quietude isn’t stagnation—it’s where ideas gather and multiply.
Build bridges with stories. Share experiences to foster connection and understanding.
Lift as you climb. Support others as you grow. There’s room for everyone to succeed.
Create without judgement. The act of creating is valuable in itself.
Follow what lights you up. Seek out the things that spark your curiosity.
Take your sweet time. Slowing down won’t shorten the journey, but it will bring you closer to yourself.
Find beauty in the unfinished. Not every project needs to be complete to hold value.
Embrace the process. The messy middle can teach us so much.
Stay curious. It opens doors to possibility.
These lessons remind me that tending to our dreams and plans, whether through creative projects or shared experiences, begins with small steps.
Finding magic in a mixtape
As I type the finishing words to this festive update, I’m listening to a folk-inspired playlist, curated for myself, and as a small gift for you.
You might like to tune into this blend of favourites and discoveries—songs that have accompanied me while wrapping up projects and presents this month!
Among the tracks, you’ll find the beauty of Only at Christmas Time by Sufjan Stevens, the charm of Home Alone Too by The Staves, and the delight of Maybe This Christmas by Ron Sexsmith—a recent addition, and a lovely one.
I’m so thankful to everyone who’s been part of this publication and my crowdfunder—whether you’re a subscriber, backer, or simply following along. I can’t wait to see what 2025 holds for us all, and I’m excited to share my plans with you over the coming weeks.
I hope the holidays bring you comfort and magic, and you can celebrate in your own way, whatever that might look like. What’s true for you as we enter a new season and soon, a new year?
I love these reflections Sarah, they feel very grounding and what you say about small steps is so true too. Looking forward to listening to your playlist too! Hope you had a lovely Christmas 🎄 ❤️ xx
This wasgorgeousSarah, so excited for our Playgroup!