Spring Intentions & Imbolc Reflections: A Slow Start to 2026

We have reached the final week of our six-week series. The Somerset countryside is wet but no longer freezing cold, and the first colourful flowers - the heralds of Spring - are popping up everywhere. In old English calendars, spring began on February 1st, or Candlemas on the 2nd. It was believed that the worst of winter had passed, and we’re now looking towards the warmer weather and renewal of the natural world. 

The beginning of February also marks a halfway point between the winter solstice - the longest night of the year - and the spring equinox, when day and night are of equal length. In February, we will be officially closer to the equinox than to the solstice. Isn’t it an optimistic thought?

In the pagan/Celtic tradition, February 1st is Imbolc, the first of the spring sabbaths and a fire festival. In the Christian tradition, February 2nd is Candlemas. Notice how both traditions use light and fire as their symbols. Perhaps this is because, after long and cold winter months, that is what people truly need, regardless of religion or culture. We are drawn to warmth and the light that has been so sparse in the recent months of winter, and which symbolises the rising strength of the sun we crave so much.

Find our gorgeous spring candles here.

On a personal level, I long for warmth and the chance to wear light clothes again, but I’m not quite ready to come out of my winter cocoon just yet. I’m deep into writing my first book about slow living (and making some drafts of the crime novel I want to write, too), and these rainy, moody days that we’ve had plenty of recently have been the lovliest, most peaceful settings to create.

As we’re ending the series, I’ll share some prompts to consider when setting your Spring intentions, but remember that it’s up to you to decide when it’s the right time to set them. Perhaps you feel ready now; perhaps you’ll want to wait for warmer weather. You’re the only person who knows when the time will be right. Allow yourself to feel it. When you walk in nature, notice the first stirrings of life and how the air feels different. When you feel it in your body, you’ll know that it’s time to begin.

Here are some questions to ask yourself before Spring arrives.

Which parts of your life can you simplify/let go of to create more space?

We tend to think on a big scale here, but I invite you to look closely at daily chores and habits that might be eating up your time. The most obvious time is scrolling through your phone when there is simply nothing interesting on it. You checked the updates from your favourite creators, had a peek at your cousin and their new fiancé, ordered a new set of kitchen towels, and now you’re just watching random videos of cats, relatable couples and speed cleaning. Put the phone down, and read, bake, or go for a walk instead.

I used to complain that I never had enough time for reading for pleasure, but once I reduced the time I allowed myself to watch funny videos of chihuahuas, I actually read more than ever.

My husband and I also started roasting enough chicken breast for 3 days worth of dinners for both us and our children, saving us time in the kitchen. We add different sauces, veggies and carbs to it (e.g. one day curry-style, another Chinese, then some gravy and mashed potatoes), and it frees up a couple of evenings a week.

How would you like to feel in the coming Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter?

When planning the rest of the year, we think in a straight line, but every season has a different feel and meaning, both on a personal and social level. Will you have the same amount of time and energy to devote to your project throughout the year? Some jobs get busier in summer, while others pick up for Christmas. In private life, autumn might be your favourite season, and you know you will feel energised and uplifted, while Spring allergies might leave you with no will to pursue anything. Take that into consideration and plan accordingly.

How would you like to feel at the end of the calendar year?

Notice the word “feel”… I think how much we achieve is not always exactly up to us. A lot depends on our family, children, health, time, money, and work, but how we feel is much more in our hands. Perhaps you want to feel less stressed, calmer, free from the need to please others?

I’ve been doing pretty well over the last few years, trying to balance work and personal life, which merge so closely, and I hope to continue on this path. I want to feel disciplined, but not in a stressed, hustling way. I think calm self-discipline is a good way to describe what I want to feel this year.

Name your intentions or goals. Be as clear as you can.

Ambiguity might feel safer, but it won’t become the torch to guide you. Be courageous. Name the things - even just in the safety of your heart - that you want to do, be, and achieve this year. Having big goals might feel challenging, but we can usually name them easily. Protecting your peace and slowing down are often harder to put into words. General statements like “I want to be less stressed” are a good start. Still, you need to name what you are changing, e.g., you won’t pay any attention to the gossip in the office, you won’t let that one family member upset you for days, or you won’t keep worrying about what other people think and put their feelings and emotions above your own.

When you name things, they become something tangible, real.

As for me, I want to publish my slow living book and, in September 2026, begin writing the second book. Calm self-discipline will be my way to do it. Wish me luck!

A few closing words

Thank you. Just thank you. Six weeks later, with over 500 comments and thousands of visits to the blog, I’m just so incredibly touched by how this New Year series has turned out. I hope you have found some slowness, inspiration, and courage to follow your heart’s desires this year.

I *might* have a break next weekend (not sure yet, probably end up writing anyways, haha!) but overall the blog continues weekly as always, so if you are new here and enjoyed the series, I invite you to stay (perhaps sign up to the mailing list?) as I keep sharing slow-living tips, the beauty of the English countryside, and bits from personal life.

As a side note, it's still a while to go, but I think next series we could do the "Countdown to Autumn" again this year, starting at the summer solstice and ending somewhere in September, what do you think?

I’d love to read about your intentions and goals for 2026. You lovely ladies (a few gentlemen!) are so inspiring to me, and your comments are a true source of joy!

Thank you again for the past six weeks,
Adriana x