My dear reader,

I’ve been sitting with a question today:
How do we find light in the dark?

We are in the heart of winter and the world is going through some heavy events — and if I’m honest, I feel like I’m in a very deep internal winter too. (I wrote about that in my last letter, if you missed it.)

Things just feel slower, heavier, more inward.

This reminds me of one of my favourite Harry Potter quotes:

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
— Dumbledore

So today, I want to share a few gentle ways that are helping me find light, even when things feel grim, which you can easily implement in your life, too.

1. When something doesn’t go your way — laugh it out.

Last week, my boyfriend and I took the car to the garage to fix a tyre.
A simple visit turned into three days in a row at the garage, with new issues popping up each time — all eating into our days off together.

We could have gotten grumpy and frustrated.
Instead, we chose to laugh it off.

Not because it was ideal — but because laughter softened the moment and brought some lightness into an otherwise annoying situation.

You can’t always control the circumstances, but you can control how you respond.

2. Sometimes when things don’t go according to plan, it might be a blessing in disguise.

On the third visit, they discovered a bigger puncture in another tyre — something that had been missed earlier and could have become a real safety hazard.

If things had gone “smoothly,” we might never have caught it.

Not everything that slows you down is working against you. It might just be a blessing in disguise.

3. Choose the tone of your day

This one comes from Mel Robbins and it’s simple but powerful.

When you wake up, say:
“Today is going to be a good day.”

Not because you know it will be.
Not because everything is perfect.

But because your nervous system listens to what you tell it.
It’s a small act of choosing light before the day has a chance to decide for you.

4. Pick three daily non-negotiables that light you up

For me, those are showing up on the yoga mat, writing, and walking outside.

No matter how dark things feel, these bring me back to myself.

What gives you light is what you must prioritise daily — especially in heavy seasons.
It might still feel dark around you, but when you choose activities that give you light, you remind yourself that light is always there, within.

5. Connect with someone

Disconnection feeds darkness.
Connection lights us up.

Reach out to one person a day — a message, a voice note, a walk,

Sometimes simply being seen — or seeing someone else — is enough to let light in.

6. Hygge it out

Hygge is a Danish word that roughly means cosy, comforting, safe, and warm.

Light the candles.
Lower the lights.
Curl up under a blanket with your favourite book.

And don’t feel any shame about it.

This is the season to hibernate.
Healthy escapism — especially through a story that excites or soothes you — can be pure joy.

Rest is not laziness.
It’s wisdom.

7. Choose baby steps over marathons

I’ve found real joy in starting things I’ve been dreading — not by doing everything, but by doing one small action.

Calling the phone provider about a tech hiccup.
Looking at finances after Christmas and facing reality.
Tackling one piece of mundane admin.

None of it is fun — but it does feel good once it’s done.

Tiny steps create momentum.
Momentum creates light.

8. Clear unfinished business

With the Lunar New Year approaching next month, this feels like a powerful time to wrap things up.

For me, that looks like:

• A second clear-out of my wardrobe

• A deep clean of the house

• Finally organising boxes still unpacked from my move

Clearing physical and mental clutter creates space — and space lets light in.

Ask yourself:
What still remains to be completed, released, or closed right now?

A final light to leave you with

If there’s one thing I want to remind you of, it’s this:

We are not meant to move through dark seasons alone.

The power of community matters more than ever. Being in the same space as others — even quietly — can be deeply healing. You don’t need to commit to everything or suddenly become social.

Sometimes choosing just one event, one gathering, one moment of shared presence is enough.

I’m doing exactly that this month — intentionally choosing to gather, connect, and create, even while I’m still very much in my own winter.

Because connection doesn’t require perfection.
It only requires presence.

✨ Connect & Create Club is coming back next week for its 1-year anniversary event — a space to gather, slow down, create, and connect. See details below!

And remember:
Light is always there, if you get intentional about it and turn it on, both within yourself and around you.

Be gentle with yourself.

With lots of love,
Essi 🤍

CONNECT + CREATE CLUB
1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY EVENT

This month, we’re celebrating one year of the club with a very special anniversary gathering at the National Gallery, where creativity and connection meet once again.

🎨 Guided by professional illustrator and artist Alex Quick, we’ll gently wander through the gallery, sketching, observing, and unlocking our creative flow. No drawing experience needed — just bring a sketchbook (or journal) and an open heart. Alex will offer simple drawing tips and supportive guidance to help you express yourself freely and discover your own unique creative style.

💫 Afterward, I will guide us into a reflective circle — a mindful, heartful creative practice to deepen self-connection and shared presence.

This is a space to slow down, reconnect, and express yourself — whether you’re picking up a pencil for the first time in years or simply craving a new way to connect with yourself and others in an inspiring setting. 🎭🖌

Everyone is welcome. Come exactly as you are.

Date: Sunday, 25th January
Location: National Gallery
Time: 12:45pm - 4pm
Tickets: £15