The Quiet Shift of the Year

Finding peace and wonder in the in-between

The Space Between Years

There is a space, in the middle of two years
When one ends and the next has not yet begun
A silver of time before the second-hand jumps

A pause, a gap, a breath
As if time itself is waiting with us
Before we turn to hug and whisper
“Happy New Year!”

Before the clock ticks forward
We hold this moment open
For one quiet heartbeat longer

Stop
Breathe
Notice

To savour the not-yet and the no-longer
To linger in the in-between
A tiny moment longer

We rebel with a pause
In a world that worships speed
We refuse to let time hurry past
And steal another heartbeat for us

And then we smile 
When time begins to move again.
“Welcome, new year!”

We let it carry us forward.

Wishing you peace and wonder for 2026.

Thanks for being part of this space—for reading, reflecting, and sharing the journey.
Enjoy the pause between years, that gentle in-between.
– Nadia


What if the most rebellious thing you could do right now is… nothing at all?

We invite you to pause. How does that sound? Like something you need?

In January, we’ll be back with 30-minute pause sessions—gentle explorations into stillness. Everyone is welcome. These aren’t about ‘doing it right’—they’re about discovering what happens when we permit ourselves to breathe, to rest, just to be.

These sessions are part of Rebel with a Pause, a new project Ewen Le Borgne and I are quietly nurturing—an invitation to explore how moments of stillness can heal work culture and open space for what wants to emerge.

If this whispers to you, we’d love to connect.


The bit at the end

Exciting events on the horizon to support your exploration:

  • This winter, join Street Wisdom in Alkmaar — cozy, inspiring, and full of surprises. Come rain, sun, or storm, we’ll explore the streets or find inspiration inside with a warm cup of tea. Find the dates and sign up here.
  • Join the next Unhurried Conversation—a space to slow down, listen, and connect. We meet every 2nd Monday of the month. It’s free, and you’re warmly welcome. Sign up here.
  • For more Learning Moments, subscribe to my newsletter and get timely updates straight to your inbox.

Reach out,  I’m always open for a chat.
Creatively,
Nadia

P.S.The paintings featured on the blog are my own.

2 responses to “The Quiet Shift of the Year”

  1. Happy New Year to you! Still reading and writing after all these years.

    1. Thank you, Chris, for being such a wonderful reader all these years. Knowing that you’ve been there—reading and caring—I simply appreciate it. Your comments create an echo, a ripple that travels further.

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