Amidst murky weather this week, I am going to return to the delights of last week's beach walk on a hazy sunny day. Last week I talked of 'surfing the waves'. This week is a different focus.

Walking along the beach at low tide, I became fascinated by the intricacies of the patterns in the sands. Pebbles of all colours, shapes and sizes had been washed up, and then the tide lapping in and out had created all sorts of lines and shapes around them. Time and again, the beauty created by sand, sea and stone stopped me in my tracks. It felt awesome. As I walked, I stopped numerous times to dwell with and enjoy a new wonder.

All this led me to think about what pleasure can sometimes be found in simply noticing small details in our day. And how then tuning in to our appreciation can feel uplifting and nourishing.

Scarborough, January 2026. Barbara Payman

This week's self-kindness invitation is to take some time in your week to slow down in whatever you're doing and notice any small gifts that present themselves, and then spend a few moments enjoying them. It could be as simple as noticing birdsong, or a smile, or the smell of your coffee or something else you could easily have let go unnoticed. Small things can contribute significantly to our sense of well-being. Good luck.

Go well.