Embracing the beauty of January, slow days and country walks

January days and embracing each day as It comes.

January is a month that many do not look forward to. So far, January has been a bit of a mixed bag. We have been blessed with bright days, dull days and rainy days. This year I am embracing each day as it comes, sitting back, observing and appreciating the day for what it is. Some days I know I need to take it easy whilst others I am ready to fully embrace.

A beautiful bright blue sky captured during the morning walk with Molly and Bruce.

New Year Intentions

This year I have not set any new years resolutions. In previous years these have not worked well for me. I believe in little steps and little changes and so have set intentions to live by instead. To be more active and to walk each morning is one change that I have made. This new habit I know is good for my body and good for my soul. When I walk, I relax and this is when my mind is at it’s most creative.

These beautiful crisp Oak leaves caught my eye during a family walk. Appreciating the nature around you creates joy and contentment.

Appreciation

Another intention is to appreciate more. I intend to appreciate my family, my friends and my surroundings each day and I know that to do this, I need to slow down and greet each day with ease. In a house full of boys this can sometimes be testing however I know the importance of slow living for my own mind and for my family. A fast paced lifestyle creates stress and overwhelm and I know that this is no good for our family wellbeing.

A family walk in the forest. The boys look out over a boggy field and the fog creates a eerie atmosphere.

Get outside

I continue to encourage my boys to get outside and take notice themselves. I love it when one of them observes the nature around them, such as the morning sun on the horizon during our trip to school or an icy leaf on the pavement as they walk by. These little things will keep them grounded and present in the moment. It is a wonderful skill to be able to appreciate and notice the simplicity and beauty of nature around you.

An intriguing spiderweb on a tree trunk. We stood and looked with wonder at the detail, the light and the morning dew. So simple and so beautiful.

Take notice of the little details

When we take notice of the little details, we are not taking notice of all things naturally beauty but we are greeting nature and the environment with curiosity . Children find this easy and when walking outdoors are keen to look, feel, touch and listen to their surroundings.

Exploring the muddy puddles on the marshy fields during a forest walk in the Forest of Dean.

Benefits to family wellbeing

I know that our family benefits so much from spending time outdoors. All our favourite memories are of trips, walks and moments spent exploring. The freedom of being outside allows each child to freely walk, run, play, imagine and create. They are able to be themselves with no restrictions.

The light rays shimmer through the forest trees in the Forest of Dean.

Creating memories

Being outside also stimulates the senses creating episodic memories. You are not only experiencing a walk but you are listening to the birds, feeling the gentle frosty breeze on your cheek and looking at the sunlight beaming through the trees. These moments are what make memories so special.

The fog has lifted on the return leg of our walk. The boys now gaze at the boggy field with curiosity.

Reliving memories

It is these moments that our children remember. It is these moments that our children recall. Memories are relived through an association of a feeling. When a child feels the frosty wind blow once again the sensory experience triggers a memory of family fun during a previous walk in the forest on a cold frosty morning.

My younger two climbing and jumping in the Forest of Dean.

Final Intentions for 2020

I intend to create more family experiences just like this this year. Experiences that create joy, stimulate the senses and form strong memories for our family.

After all, family is at the core of my life and spending time with these four boys is my top priority.

I love to work, I love to capture our moments and I love to read, write and explore the great outdoors, but making memories with these guys is my most favourite thing to do.

Our Molly dog, looking out to the horizon during an afternoon walk in South Gloucestershire.

What are your intentions for 2020?

How do you plan to spend your family time this year? Are you embracing a slower lifestyle too? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories so please drop me an email or get in touch here.

If you’d like to work with me, I create nature photography experiences for your family to slow down, connect and have fun whilst I capture your real life and raw family memories on camera. Get in touch and find out more here

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