Hello and happy new year.
I had an interesting Christmas this year – if I told you that I was ill, stuck at home alone and that I was also nursing a broken heart, you would probably feel sorry for me. As it turns out, it was one of the most fulfilling Christmas days I’ve ever had.
I had a day to myself – to do whatever I wanted, guilt free.
I anticipated that it may be a bit lonely, but I spent the day writing, reading, playing the piano, singing and I ended up writing and recording a song. The first I’ve written since lockdown. It was utterly joyful creative self-expression and although my broken heart ached now and then, the pleasure from pouring my energies into something meaningful felt so satisfying.
One of the things I learnt from experiencing the ‘worst’ situation for Christmas was that creative expression is always there in my life as a soulful friend, a companion that can give me all the medicine I need.
We often feel we ‘ought’ to be having a great time with our families, bringing in the new year joyfully with lots of ambitious goals. We often ‘chase’ the good things that life promises us and so often it feels like a ton of pressure.
So – my soulful message for this coming year is simply this…
What is your soulful companion in your life? What genuinely gives you the greatest pleasure that no matter what, you can rely on?
And how can you prioritise more time for that in the coming year?
My list includes playing my piano, singing for my pleasure, writing songs and dancing at least three times a week. When I invest time in things that bring me joy, then everything else seems to flow more easily.
It’s so easy to fall into the noise of ‘self-improvement’ and I’d love to remind you that you are an exceptional human being with a deep well of talent. No matter what your life circumstances now – I highly recommend you look at your calender, you create a short list of the things that will give you the kind of deep satisfaction that will benefit the rest of your life this year.
Do let me know what’s on your list.
With love
Nicky x
10 responses
Sorry to hear about your break-up, Nic, but delighted to hear you started the year as you mean to go on, and are prioritising creative endeavours! You look beautiful in the video, with the sun on your face. x
Thank you Gill! Yes, creativity is always a winner. Hope you have a brilliant year too. x
Wishing you a fab 2025 Nicky. I don’t love that you were poorly and broken hearted but I do love this video and how your Christmas really was a gift to you
Ah thank you Sarah – appreciate your words.
This is wonderful attitude and advice Nicky – we all feel better when we’ve been creative, don’t we? I made a very cool/personal fabric wall hanging banner for some friends for their wedding last year. It felt great and they loved it. I did some painting (very badly) on holiday this month. It was brilliant. Might do some more of both of those things. Hope you’re feeling better x
Thanks Marcy – it’s great to hear you’re finding different ways to express yourself. I love the fact that you say you were painting badly and it was brilliant. For me, it’s the pleasure in the process that counts. Good luck injecting more into this year! Nicky x
Beautiful video about a moment of realisation and enlightenment, when immersing yourself in your creative essence, like a warm, scented bath, can bring happiness and healing.
I am never happier than when I’m writing fiction, when for hours at a time I am lost in the moment, not concerned about past or future, only the words on the page, the infinite possibilities.
Thank you Jae – so wonderful to read this. Nicky
So wonderful to read this Nicky! I hope to hear one of your songs soon!
Elena xx
Thank you Elena – not quite ready to share a song yet, but one day I promise. Nicky x