The skies are often grey, the days still dark, though the light can be felt pushing in just a little around the edges. The temperatures are sometimes mild, sometimes freezing again.

But here in the dismal drizzle of January, there are small, astonishing surprises. Red-pink mounds are pushing themselves out from the rhubarb root, the last thing one expects from such a gnarly brown mass. The fresh faces of the snowdrops are waking and the sound of birdsong fills the early morning.

Nestled within the darkness, whether it is the darkness of the natural world or a shadow that has fallen across our lives, there are always the glimmers of a new beginning.

Here’s a little poem I wrote a while ago, which has patiently been waiting for this time of year.

Little snowdrop
purest white
your generous gift
is my delight.

Love and courage,

Leah

P.S. I would love to know what glimmers of new beginnings you have been noticing, either out in the natural world where you are or within your own life? Have you noticed or felt some small, hopeful sliver of light after a period of darkness? It would be good to hear from you and know how things are in your life. Leave me a comment below.