I’ve been writing a version of this post since 2010. Over time, it’s become one of my favourite January rituals. After the Christmas break, I find putting my thoughts and reflections down on digital paper is the best way to ease myself into another year of writing and creating.
In a lot of ways, 2025 was a tough year. Not the toughest I’ve ever lived through, but challenging, nonetheless. Thankfully, in amongst the big changes and poor mental health, I experienced plenty of joy too. Ultimately, I’ve emerged with more good memories than bad, and for that I’m grateful.
Looking Back…
If you’ve read the honest reflections I shared in my recent blog post, you’ll know 2025 wasn’t exactly an easy year in my business. However, it wasn’t a complete disaster. I worked on some amazing projects, writing copy for six websites and more blog posts and marketing emails than I can count.
Projects tended to be smaller than in previous years, but the work was no less fulfilling. For example, this time last year, I was able to support Shelley at Fortitude Psychological Therapy & Consultancy with copy for the launch of Elliott’s Legacy – a mental health initiative embedded within her business that aims to support those affected by baby loss. After creating regular blog content for Shelley over the last couple of years, it was great to work with her on something so meaningful and important.
I created a lot for my own audience too. As well as writing for this blog, I put a lot of energy into my Substack publication, Larking About. I’m excited to continue writing and growing over there in 2026. Who knows, maybe I’ll finally get round to launching my paid offering!
I also posted a wide range of content on Instagram last year and experienced my second ‘viral moment’ on the platform. I believe it was the success of this post that ultimately led to a fun collaboration with Visit Bath in December. I’m not about to go all in on influencing or anything like that, but I’m definitely remaining open to similar opportunities in the future.
Throughout 2025, Charlie and I continued to share regular conversations on our podcast, Friends With Business Benefits. I was also a guest on Scrapbook Your Way for the second time, a brilliant crafty podcast hosted by Jennifer Wilson, owner of Simple Scrapper.
In March, I delivered a guest workshop and Q&A for Therapists Corner. I’m keen to do more in-person events this year and I love collaborating in this way. If you have a group membership or community who might benefit from learning how to plan and write their own copy and content, do get in touch.
Travel and adventure remained a top priority in 2025. In the summer, we took our first family beach holiday since 2018, spending 10 blissful days in Portugal. There were also trips to London, Bath, Brontë Country, and Oslo. I’m yet to document any of these trips, so I’ll be working on a stack of travel scrapbooks in 2026.
Izzy successfully completed her first year of drama school in London. After spending the summer at home and joining us in Portugal, she moved into my mum’s old flat with a friend, started a new part time job, enjoyed a mini-break in Italy, and began her second year. I miss her terribly when she’s away, but I’m incredibly proud of all her hard work.
Jesse turned 16 in 2025, completed his GCSEs, finished secondary school for good, and started a Professional Cookery qualification at college. He also secured his first proper paid job, working a six-week contract as a commis chef at a local restaurant in the run-up to Christmas. He towers over us all and doesn’t seem to have stopped growing yet.
Supporting Jesse through such a pivotal year was difficult at times but seeing him work so hard and ultimately succeed in achieving his goals means it was all worth it. Outside of cooking, his current passions include drumming, gaming, Magic: The Gathering, and seeing his favourite bands live. He’s on the hunt for another job and looking forward to completing his NVQ Level 2.
Crafty hobbies and making continued to bring me a lot of joy in 2025. You can read my reflections on another year of creative play here. 2025 was also the year I became a gardener. Last January, I was excited about renovating our outside space, but I had no idea how transformative the process would be on a personal level. I feel like I found this hobby at exactly the right time, and I can’t wait for another year of growing and tending to my garden.
Looking Forward…
As usual, I’m choosing to enter the new year slowly and gently. I do not believe January is the best time to make big changes or overhaul your life. Instead, I like to use this fallow period to imagine, dream and plan. You’ll find me making lists, creating a vision board and focusing on how I want to spend the next 12 months.
I tend to start by thinking about the words and images I’d like to include next time I come to write this blog post. My sister and her family will be visiting the UK later this year and we’re planning a trip to Denmark to celebrate my mum’s 70th. I hope I have some good travel stories to share, and lots of sun-drenched photos to accompany them.
I’d like to be able to say I spent a lot of time writing and creating and nurturing my garden. As always, I plan to prioritise self-care and maintain the small, daily habits that make a big difference to my overall health and wellbeing.
flourish
/ˈflʌrɪʃ/
verb
(of a living organism) grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly congenial environment.
noun
- a bold or extravagant gesture or action, made especially to attract attention.
- an impressive and successful act or period.
My guiding word for 2026 is ’flourish’. Over the next twelve months, I want to focus on creating and maintaining a ‘particularly congenial environment’ for myself. With another big house renovation project slated to begin at the end of the month, I’m thinking about this literally as well as figuratively.
Last year felt like a struggle for survival. I spent most of it feeling out of sorts and uncertain about the future. This year I want to feel deeply rooted in my life. I want to water myself, tend to my own needs before other people’s, and ensure I get enough of the things I need to flourish and thrive. I also wouldn’t mind attracting attention to my business and conjuring up a successful act or period!
Obviously, I’m thinking about my word in relation to the garden too. Spending time outside with my hands in the dirt brought me so much joy and peace last year. I’d like more of the same in 2026.
How about you? What are your hopes and dreams for the year ahead?
Love Audrey xxx
P.S. Can you believe I’ve been sharing a version of this post every January for more than a decade?
