January arrived gently for me this year, but before anything else unfolded, something quite extraordinary happened.

A Moment of Unexpected Kindness

Early in the month, I arrived at a café to meet friends, a full 30 minutes early, as usual. Shortly after sitting down, I received a message to say the gathering had been cancelled. As the café was filling up with groups, I asked a staff member if I could move to a smaller table. My friends had cancelled, but I was already there and planned to have a bite to eat. I didn’t want to take up unnecessary space..

After eating, I went to pay and was met with the words:
“That’s been taken care of.”

My response?
“By whom?”

“The owner,” she said.
“Because it’s not nice to be cancelled on.”

I stood there, genuinely shocked. You see these things online all the time, stories of kindness between strangers, but I had never experienced it myself.

Later that evening, when my partner came home, I shared the story. This was the second act of kindness I had received in less than 12 hours. He hugged me and quietly said:

“There are kind people out there. And this… you deserved. You’re always kind to others.”

Anyone who knows me well knows how emotional that made me.
Kindness arrives when you least expect it.

A Gentle Return to Work

The month continued in much the same tone. I returned to work on half days, easing myself back in and experimenting with a new way of structuring my workweek, keeping Fridays off where possible (with the occasional exception, of course).

Sometimes, putting in a few focused hours here and there during that first week back pays off far more than diving straight in. It allowed space to think, reflect, and set intentions rather than just ticking boxes.

This year, I’ve also made a clear commitment to fitness, not as an afterthought, but as something that goes into the diary. If it’s not scheduled, it doesn’t happen.

Strategy, Community & Honest Conversations

One Saturday was dedicated to our monthly strategy session with fellow business owners. A room filled with people who showed up focused, open, honest, accountable, encouraging, reflective, challenging, coaching one another and celebrating both big and small achievements.

Those spaces matter. They remind us that we’re rarely as alone as we think.

Clients, Connections & Asking for Help

January brought space to reconnect with clients, reviewing progress, planning the year ahead, and having honest conversations around feedback and feedforward.

Some clients are finding things more challenging than expected. Others are pleasantly surprised by the support they’re receiving within their workplaces. Both experiences are valid, and both deserve attention.

There were board meetings, coffee catchups, conversations with business contacts, and calls with potential clients. One theme kept coming up in these interactions: the quiet power of professional networks.

The most incredible thing about building genuine relationships over time is this, there are people who are willing and happy to help when you reach out.

A conversation at one event really stayed with me. We spoke about shared experiences, challenges, and outcomes. I reflected on how, in the past, I sometimes offered advice before someone was ready to receive it. Now, I approach things differently. I’m willing to help but only when someone asks. Because that’s when they are ready.

The Seeds Beneath the Snow

A real highlight of the month was a morning workshop for coaches with Jenny Stacey and Tsafi Lederman, beautifully titled The Seeds Beneath the Snow.

It was a gentle, nurturing space, one that encouraged inner stillness and reflection. It confirmed something I already felt sure about: this year, I want to build on what I began last year, my business and my health. Slowly and one step at a time.

The workshop allowed me to reflect on how far I’ve come, acknowledge it properly, and decide how I want to build on it in the year ahead. I was deeply grateful for the space and am very much looking forward to the next session in March.

Leaning Into Discomfort

January also nudged me to step outside my comfort zone. I reached out to a few people for support on a project I’m really excited to bring to life over the coming months. Asking for help doesn’t come naturally to everyone, myself included, but this felt like the right time.

Space for Connection & Breath

There was also a much-needed couples weekend away, something I’ve learned we always need more of than we think.

Book club brought a thoughtful discussion around The Art of Breathing, just don’t breathe a word of it… A wonderful reminder of how powerful something as simple as breath can be.

Perspective at the Pendulum Summit

An energising day at the Pendulum Summit offered plenty of food for thought.

The day began with Rory Sutherland, whose insights into behavioural science, perception, and human decision-making were delivered with sharp wit and humour. Everything he said felt obvious, yet revelatory. A reminder that how we frame problems often matters more than the problems themselves.

Later, David Meade led a thoughtful interview with Brené Brown, who spoke about courage, vulnerability, leadership, and boundaries. Her message was simple and powerful: real leadership isn’t about armour, it’s about clarity, humanity, and showing up fully.

Equally impactful were talks from Dr. Norah Patten, whose story of perseverance and vision was inspiring, and Rhys McClenaghan, whose discipline and humility spoke volumes beyond sport.

And then there was Niall Breslin, who delivered an outstanding live spoken-word performance, accompanied by The Polaris Quartet. Immersive, moving, and unforgettable.

Closing the Year

I finished January by starting my accounting CPD hours, something I committed to doing consistently last year and found so effective that I’ve decided to repeat it this year, starting early and staying steady.

What a month.

If this is how the year begins, I have high hopes for what’s ahead.