Finding Balance in the Winds of Change

January was relentless. We lost our faithful companion, Rigby, at the start of the month. I closed my business after six years. My daughter and partner were both unwell. Then came a minor (but emotionally significant) car accident, followed by yet another family emergency. The month just wouldn’t let up.

And yet, through all the grief and anxiety, I could feel something shifting… like the inevitable winds of change blowing through my life. As difficult as things feel right now, I have this sneaking suspicion that good things are on the horizon.

Living on a wild Scottish island, I’m no stranger to the wind, the kind that knocks you off your feet, howls through the night, and reshapes the landscape. To quote Bob Dylan:

"May you have a strong foundation when the winds of change shift…"

By this point, my metaphorical foundation has taken a beating. But while I’m allowing myself the space to sit in the moment and process everything, I’m also trying to look forward… to set small intentions for the year ahead and find moments of calm within the chaos.

Spring, my favourite season, is just around the corner. It brings renewal, rejuvenation, and a fresh start. And after this past month, I’m more than ready for it.

So, how do I turn a tough month into a great year?

1. Finding Solace in Nature

Years ago, when I was stuck in a cycle of anxiety and depression (long before I knew I was neurodivergent), I discovered something powerful: nature heals. Green spaces, the sea, fresh air… they all have a profound impact on my wellbeing.

Now, I’m lucky enough to live in one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world. This year, I want to lean into that, to let nature hold me, reshape me, and remind me that even after the harshest storms, new life always emerges.

2. Focusing on What I Know & Love

When life feels uncertain, I’ve learned to keep things simple: stick to what I know and love. Right now, that means pouring my energy into my family, embracing motherhood, and indulging in my special interests like reading, writing, photography, drawing, and being outside. The rest will come in time.

3. Moving, Calming & Resting with Intention

Before motherhood, I practiced yoga a few times a week and meditated daily these were tools I used to manage anxiety. But over time, those practices faded into the background as life got busier.

This year, I want to return to them. Not as rigid goals, but as gentle anchors, whether that’s stretching for a few minutes, doing a mindfulness exercise, or simply napping when my body tells me to. Rest is just as important as movement, and I’m giving myself permission to embrace both.

4. Resetting My Environment

A cluttered space is a cluttered mind. Overstuffed drawers, piles of laundry, misplaced items… they all make me feel overstimulated and unsettled. So, instead of a frantic spring clean, I’m taking a slower, more intentional approach: decluttering one space at a time, removing what we don’t need, and creating a home that feels calm and functional.

5. Exploring New Creative Outlets

With my photography business coming to a close, I want to channel my creative energy into something new and without pressure or expectation. Writing, personal photography, sketching and creating just for the joy of it, rather than for a goal or financial gain. Letting creativity be an outlet rather than an obligation.

These are my intentions for the year ahead. Life has felt wildly out of control lately, but by focusing on these small, grounding practices, I hope to find more peace, clarity, and balance in this little island life of ours.

Til Next Time | Lesley-Anne