Did you know 2026 is coined as the year of the hobby...

Hey Reader
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I’ve been pondering over 2026 a bit, I tend not to do the whole new years resolution - blah blah. There's a proven scientific effect called The Fresh Start Effect and I stick to this more. It goes like this...
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...At the moment of a new day, new week, new month, new year.
We have an added enthusiasm to make a fresh start and isn't that a beautiful thing. It means your opportunity for change happens much more often than yearly.
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I've been sitting with the following thought as the year begins...and as I ponder my word of 2026 - JOY
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​What if 2026 is the year of the hobby?
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​Not the year of turning everything into a side hustle.
Just the year of doing something because it feels good to do it.
And it brings you JOY
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Somewhere along the way, many of us quietly packed away the things we loved doing for no other reason than 'Life got busy. Practical. Loud.
And creativity slowly slipped to the bottom of the list. I did it!
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​But creativity has a way of waiting patiently.
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And gently prodding you over time :)
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​Painting, especially with watercolours, is one of those gentle ways back in. It isn’t demanding. It doesn’t need hours of your time or a big setup. A brush, a little colour, some water… and suddenly your mind softens its grip.
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There’s something incredibly calming about watching pigment move across paper. About letting your hand lead instead of your head. About being fully in the moment, even if only for ten quiet minutes.
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When we allow ourselves to make marks without pressure, your nervous system settles. Thoughts slow down. Breathing deepens. You drop into that lovely state of flow where everything else fades into the background for a while.
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So if you’re craving a little more calm this year, a little more space to just be, maybe this is your invitation.
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To pick up a brush.
To play.
To let painting be a hobby again.
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Here’s to 2026 being softer, slower, and more creative – in whatever way feels right for you.
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With love,
Sue
x
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​And if you're ready to make a start and give watercolours a try. My 'Little Box of Joy' is perfect for you to get started.

​Have a peek at what's inside here >>​
​artshop.susanhay.com/products/a-little-box-of-joy​

"This is not just another art kit. It's a nervous system reset"
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"What a stunning present to receive -thank you! Just what’s needed to feel less frazzled! The framed miniature is gorgeous! I found the mini tutorial relaxing and mindful and am pretty pleased with my first little watercolour miniature! Lovely paint set with strong pigments - very satisfying to use and all painted with the one brush! Just wonderful!”

"Be willing to be a beginner, every single morning." Meister Eckhart