Last year was a big one, we had a busy workshop and event season @essington_park, which was rewarding, and we made lots of new friends. Sadly, we lost our Mumma after a long battle with dementia. Grief took hold and it felt heavy and emotionally exhausting. We took some time out and travelled to New York and then up to Maine to visit my sissy, which was so much fun and really helped with our sadness, it’s amazing how a change of scenery can really help. We made some big changes in the garden and finally we cooked up a storm most days all along the way.
As I do each year I’m now reflecting on my New Year’s resolutions. Every year, I try to set a few goals that will help me grow, satisfy my creativity, stay healthy, be calm, and promote connectedness to myself and my community.
Walking I consider myself quite a healthy person, although as I get older, I feel the key to staying fit and well is consistency. I love to walk in nature or in the botanic gardens, and I walk about 10,000 steps, although my goal this year is to try to do it each day. It takes about one hour and twenty minutes and when I consider how much time I spend scrolling on my Instagram feed, I think it should be quite easy to replace it with a walk out in nature. It’s about putting down the phone and using the time more productively. I always feel so enlivened, clear headed, vivified, and my mood is elevated once the walk is done.
Quiet time away from our devices.
Does anyone else feel like their head is spinning with all the information we are taking in and the fast pace in which we are living these days?
Switching off from our gadgets has become more important than ever. I cherish the rare, gentle moments when I step away from screens and let the simple joys of life come back into focus—whether that’s sipping a cuppa on the veranda, listening to the birds, or just soaking up the quiet with loved ones. It’s in those pauses, free from digital distraction, that I feel my mind unwind and my creativity spark. Being present, even for a short while, reminds me to appreciate the richness in the everyday and truly reconnect with myself and those around me.
My goal for 2026 is to simply switch off for a couple of hours each day,
Yoga and meditation
I’ve come to realise how much yoga and meditation help me stay balanced and grounded, especially when life gets a bit wild. My goal this year is to bring these practices into my daily routine—whether it’s twenty minutes on the mat before brekkie or a quiet meditation before bed. I know that even small moments spent stretching, breathing deeply, and focusing my mind make a world of difference to how I feel, both physically and mentally. It’s about making space for calm, clarity, and connection every day.
On top of this personal commitment, we’re stepping into something new and exciting: running our first three-day wellness retreat at Essington Park. It’s a chance to share the benefits of yoga, meditation, beautiful and nourishing organic food from our own vegetable garden, and mindfulness with a small group of ten in our beautiful surroundings. We’ll be creating a space for you to unwind, recharge, and discover what wellness means for you—whether that’s through movement, relaxation, or simply connecting with nature.
Our workshop is on the weekend of the 13th-16th of Feb, so jump onto essingtonpark.com for more info. It is going to be a great kick start into the new year.
3. Learn Something New
Creative Workshops at Essington Park
This year marks the fourth year for us here at Essington Park as we launch our workshop calendar for 2026 designed to inspire, connect, and nurture everyone who joins. I know I’ll be signing up to as many as I can . We’re opening our doors to those keen to explore their creative side, whether it’s through fabric printing, creative writing, painting, cooking, sourdough classes, pottery, botanical printing and felting. Our beautiful surrounds offer the perfect backdrop for learning something new and letting your imagination run wild. You can stay over too; there’s plenty of room for everybody.
Each workshop is crafted to suit all experience levels—from complete beginners keen to have a go, to those looking to refine their skills in a supportive, welcoming environment. Guided by passionate craftspeople and cooks and surrounded by nature, you’ll have the space and encouragement to express yourself and try something different. We believe creativity flourishes when you feel comfortable, connected, and inspired by the world around you.
Along with the creative sessions, you’ll also enjoy nourishing organic food from our vegetable garden, plenty of time to unwind, and opportunities to connect with like-minded people. Whether you come alone or with friends, our workshops are about more than learning a skill—they’re about finding joy in the process, stepping out of your routine, and embracing new experiences in a relaxed, country setting.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Essington Park for a workshop or two this year. Come along, get inspired, and see where your creativity takes you!
Practice Gratitude and Positivity
It’s easy to get bogged down in the daily grind, so in 2026 I’ll keep a gratitude journal to jot down the good things that happen, no matter how small. Staying positive and focusing on the bright side can make a big difference, especially when things get tricky.
The vegetable garden
I love nothing more than growing my own food for myself, my workshop goers, and my loved ones, from the garden here at Essington Park
This year I am challenging myself to use every little bit I harvest from the garden. Nothing is going to go to waste. If we cannot keep up with the amount on our daily tables, I will make pickles, jams, relishes, and compotes, and bottle to use in the long cold months of winter, and as a last resort, left over bits and bobs will go to the chickens and come back to nourish us through our eggs.
I can’t wait to see what 2026 will bring.
Looking Ahead
With these resolutions in place, I’m feeling motivated to tackle the new year with enthusiasm. Whether or not I stick to every goal perfectly, the main thing is to keep trying and enjoy the journey. Here’s to a fantastic 2026, full of opportunities, connection, and growth!
Come on the journey with me
With love and gratitude
Simmone x
