Coming Out of Hibernation

I feel like I’ve been in hibernation. The last few months I quietly halted most things creative. No big announcement, no dramatic exit, just a gentle act of stepping back. I focused on family time, being present at home, and if I’m honest… dodging the endless illnesses that seemed to be doing the rounds. And I did it intentionally. I slowed down, completely guilt free. There was something comforting about leaning into the wintering season. Early nights. Cosy days. Less output, more presence. I didn’t push myself to create when I didn’t have the energy. I didn’t force inspiration. I just… rested. And surprise surprise, the seasonal depression was kept at bay. Before I knew it, the brighter evenings were on their way bringing with them spring bulbs appearing and the opportunity to finally dry my washing outside.

Now I feel like I’m stretching after a long winter. I’m ready to shed. Ready to move forward. Ready to take the reins of my life again, make things happen for me, not just let them happen to me. As I look ahead to 2026, there are a few things quietly calling me forward and in this post I'll be sharing them with you.

The sewing machine has been dusted off!

My old overlocker has made its return from my mum’s house and the sewing machine set up on a dedicated desk. Last year, through my Style Diaries series, I realised just how much I’ve struggled to find clothes that truly suit my ever-changing body. Motherhood, bloating, stress.. they all impact my weight on a daily basis. Instead of fighting that, I want to work with it.

So in the spirit of taking control, I want to make my own clothes. Easy summer dresses, maybe a few bits for Evan and even some cushions or little pieces for the house. Nothing complicated. Just simple, wearable, beautiful things made slowly. Clothes made to fit me, not the other way around.

There’s something really empowering about that.

The Hygge Hut & Creating Again

This one feels hard to write. I want to work on my business properly. I want to actually make art and enjoy it. For years now, I’ve felt blocked. Really blocked. The kind where you call yourself creative but rarely sit down and create.

I finished The Artist’s Way last year, and it helped. It loosened things, helped me realise some harsh truths and take more time for reflection. But there’s still something there.. resistance, fear?

Because the truth is, I have a dream. A creative community, attending market stalls, seeing my art printed on products, story books with my illustrations inside them.

It’s a huge part of my dream life. And yet, week in, week out, I do very little towards it. That’s the part I want to change. No more waiting for the perfect time. No more acting like it will magically happen. Small steps. Consistent steps. Even if they feel wobbly.

Slowing Down (Properly This Time)

Here’s something I’ve realised about myself: I live as though there’s always a fire just around the corner. I rush mundane tasks. I move through my days at an unnecessary speed. Even when nothing is wrong, my body behaves as if it is. You would only need to watch me peeling potatoes, or washing my face at the end of the day to find yourself thinking .. Abbie .. calm down!

Recently, I watched a video about taking micro-breaks, just one to ten minutes between tasks. Apparently even 30 seconds to 3 minutes can lower stress hormones, reduce heart rate, and improve focus. And I thought… why am I not doing this? Why am I folding laundry like it’s an Olympic sport? Walking the dog like I'm being chased by lions!

So this year, I want to practise pausing. Finishing one task, taking a breath, stepping outside for a minute and letting my nervous system catch up with my to-do list. Slowing down not just in theory, but in the tiny in-between spaces.

I think this upcoming season, spring, is less about dramatic reinvention and more about gentle re-entry.

Dusting things off, trying again and moving forward softly but intentionally.

If winter was for hibernating, maybe this is for emerging, not all at once, but little by little.

And that feels like enough 🤍