reality | Samantha Humphreys

February 15, 2026

Art and Self-Care: February’s Journey of Renewal

Look at the gorgeousness of the snowdrop that was tucked away from the path; very few will have set their eyes on it. I have loved seeing them for as long as I can remember. These are just so delicate and pure-looking, yet they possess a strength that allows them to stand tall, even under the weight of the heavy rain from the night before.

It’s hardly surprising that February is my favorite month. It marks the arrival of the first signs of spring, as the snowdrops and cheerful daffodils begin to bloom, lifting our spirits after the winter and the dreary January days following the chaos of Christmas. Today, is my birthday which I always seem to treat as a fantastic opportunity to reflect, reset, and re-energize.

I have spent the day indulging in some mooching about, despite the persistent rain that has tried, but failed to darken the day. I am currently eating cake, drinking tea and watching Death in Paradise, which can’t help but make me feel warmer.

It’s funny how as I get older, I have never been one of those people who view a birthday with a sense of impending doom, dreading the extra year older as though this isn’t something to celebrate. I see each year as an achievement and a chance to question what have I done better in this past year? Well, I am healthier and taking practical steps to make sure I stay as healthy as I can be. I am more knowledgeable, I have learned so much about life both through experiences and research and I am excited for more therapeutic art exercises that I can now develop through what I have learned. I am grateful for everything and everyone I have in my life and I am eternally grateful to have Take That tickets for June!!!

Tomorrow I will be taking myself out on an artist date, one of the invaluable lessons that stuck with me when I read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron a few years ago. This practice of nurturing my creativity is crucial; I am off to The National Portrait Gallery, The National Gallery, and Tate Modern, where I plan to totally indulge myself in the art of Picasso, Freud, Warhol and the many other artists I am familiar with as well as some I am not. I will walk everywhere as I usually do as I prefer not to have to navigate my way around the underground. The underground feels rushed and confining; it interrupts the purpose of the day too much. By walking, I get to see more than I would if I were crammed into a crowded, sweaty tube. I can take spontaneous detours, pause to appreciate unplanned street art, and simply enjoy the outside air, all of which feeds my need for constant inspiration.

Happy birthday me!

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February 10, 2026

Balancing Life with Art: Techniques for Clarity

Grounding (2026) Watercolour on sheet music

I talked in my last post of restarting my year as it went a little awry mid January. I have reset my workload so it is a little more balanced and, I have started a cycle of decluttering both my home, art room and mind. Clearing my mind has not been something I have ever been able to achieve; when someone says “empty your mind,” what happens to me is that my brain panics, and every thought I have ever had starts whizzing around my head like a chaotic whirlwind.

However, I can use art as a means to focus. There are several exercises I have written for journaling that really work for me. By concentrating on the process, whether it’s the soft, flowing motions of watercolours or the crisp lines from a black fine liner (and I believe both mediums together create a marriage made in heaven!), I’ve found a way to channel that restless energy. It’s easy to block out the challenges of life by mark-making in those small, delicious moments of creativity. The more I practice these techniques, the easier it becomes for me to not ’empty my mind’ entirely but rather to recall the calming process of the art exercises. This recall can gently bring me back to the present moment, offering a reprieve from any noise that might be in my head.

Today was a bit different; the day was a little brighter and clearer, allowing me to enjoy a long walk, a luxury I haven’t had time to indulge in recently. Instead, I have been settling for several shorter walks, which are nice but don’t quite compare to the liberating feeling longer time out. It was refreshing to have the chance immerse myself in my audiobook.

In addition, I have been writing workshops that I am running soon and developing lessons to sell online. Of course, I’ve been immersing myself in making the art necessary to write these lessons, ensuring that I carve out these small mindful moments into each day. These activities not only fuel my creative spirit but also provide an avenue for self-exploration, allowing me to connect deeper with my artistic side. My commitment to maintaining balance and mindfulness is more than just a goal; it’s becoming an integral part of my life.

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January 23, 2026

Finding Balance: Why We Need Our Stabilisers

Stabiliser (2026) Watercolour on paper, 5x5cm

We were out walking last Sunday afternoon and we walked past a young family; the parents were teaching their daughter how to ride a two-wheeler bike. “I remember my dad teaching me to ride my bike after taking off the stabilisers.” It seemed to take ages until I got the hang of it. It got me thinking though, why? Perhaps it wasn’t cool to ride a bike with stabilizers; you were a baby if you still had them on your bike, according to the older kids.

We have many challenges that we need to overcome throughout life. Why do we need to take something away that makes something easier for us? Yes, if you want to race bikes, it wouldn’t apparently be as exciting a sport if there were stabilizers hindering you going around corners, but most of us don’t race. Do we do this with other things? Yes, we do. For example, does anyone need to learn, if they find it a struggle, to tie shoelaces? Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying don’t bother teaching it. We absolutely should continue to teach our children life skills, and the joy on their little faces when they overcome these little challenges is priceless. But there is so much to learn. If one thing is a struggle, give them slip-on shoes, and later on, they can learn to tie their laces (if laces haven’t been phased out of our lives completely, because let’s face it, they are a trip hazard).

Last week, I became unwell very quickly while I was out. I had a migraine of enormous proportions, and I could barely stand. I couldn’t bear to look at anything; I couldn’t eat anything as I was so sick, and using my phone was out of the question. I was worrying about how I could cancel my work. As a freelancer, I was responsible for contacting students to cancel. It kind of got done—badly—but it got done, and I just sat in a darkened room. I knew that this was a migraine and that it would pass, but I knew then that I had spread myself too thin. Every minute of every day is filled with something to be done. I feel a failure if I miss something, cancel something, or have to let someone down. Yet, if anyone “lets me down” in the same way, I totally understand because it’s not letting anyone down at all.

Back to the stabilisers. We need our stabilisers, and these are different for everyone. I don’t mean family/house/job, etc. My stabilisers are walking and journaling; they are essential for my balance of well-being and calm. This is not about what we do that we think is best for others; we have to take responsibility for ourselves and our own well-being. Otherwise, our future self won’t be around or of any use to others.

So, I’ll take a step back, create a ‘not’ to-do list, and reset my start to 2026.

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January 3, 2026

Finding Joy in Simple Moments: A New Year’s Reflection

Winter Trees (2025) Paper Collage

Despite starting the new year with a headache (not alcohol induced), I was thinking about how 2025 was exceptionally good to me. Reflecting on the past year, I realized that taking a leap of faith by setting myself up as a freelance artist and tutor was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The uncertainty was daunting at first, but with hard work and determination, it has worked out in my favour. I now feel in control of my professional journey, and the flexibility of freelance life has allowed me to cultivate a good work/life balance that I struggled with so much before. My daily interactions now, Remind me of the passion that originally fuelled my decision.

For some of my friends and family though, the year has dealt some devastating and heartbreaking blows. Life is indeed short, and amidst all the unpredictability it brings, one of the most important things we can do is take charge of our mental and physical wellbeing. It’s essential to prioritize our own health and happiness, even when faced with challenges. I’m not suggesting that anyone should recklessly abandon life as you know it, but I encourage taking a small step toward doing something you’ve always wanted to do, a ‘dream’ (a cliche, maybe a better word is … aim, or intention) you’ve put on hold for too long.

There’s a lot to be said for a cliched bucket list, for instance, sunrises are undeniably beautiful, and the best part? They are free, available to everyone in any corner of the world. Getting up early also makes me feel virtuous and taking a moment to appreciate a sunrise and take a breath, gives me the chance to mentally plan my day. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all conducive to the spiritual experience it sounds as I’m usually multi tasking already taking my little dog out for her toilet walk, but, you know….thats nice too.

Additionally, decluttering physical objects really helps to declutter your mind. It’s more than just tidying up; it’s therapeutic. It allows you to create space for new experiences, or just create space. By clearing your environment, you can create a peaceful sanctuary that contributes positively to your mental state.

Oh, and before I forget, I must remind you to wrap up warm and go outside tonight (3 Jan). Look up at the sky; the Quadrantid meteor shower will be amazing! Watching the stars blaze across the night sky is not just a beautiful spectacle but can be immensely soothing to the soul. The best viewing times are usually around or after midnight, so gather a few blankets, perhaps a warm drink, and enjoy this cosmic display.

So, instead of the usual celebratory New Year post filled with standard promises, hopes, and resolutions that often fade by February, I will simply say this: I sincerely hope that 2026 is good to you. May it bring you joy, fulfillment, and countless opportunities to embrace everything that life has to offer. Take the time to forge connections, create memories, and above all, chase after the things that set your heart on fire.

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August 31, 2025

Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All in Learning

Remember this? I loved playing with this toy. I learned about the shapes, how they looked, how many sides they had and what they were called. For anyone unfamiliar with the concept, the yellow pieces have their own specially shaped hole in the ball. They need to be slotted through until all forms are safely inside. Once inside, the ball opened up and the pieces shaken out.

It was great fun, simple fun at a time in life when things were less complicated. Of course, it wasn’t just about enjoying the game, it was educational too. There are formed pieces, with specific names and there are places in which they fit. They only fit into the space made for them. If they were to lose any of their form, they would no longer fit. There would be no place for them.

So what of the infinite variations on the forms with a name? the cylinder or circle that isn’t quite round or the irregular shape that has no title? Where in the world is their place? How would they fit into the red and blue ball?

We now live in far more accepting societies. Diversity is celebrated in all its wonderful forms. Opportunities are opening up for a wider demographic all the time. Yet, the schooling system still expects children to fit into the same ill fitting ‘holes’. It doesn’t make sense to ‘recognise’ that we are all different. Each of us is literally unique and will find our place. but not necessarily before we reach adulthood. Yet, the framework makes students think they can excel in all subjects. That this is achievable if they put in the effort. This is comparable to saying, ‘we know you are an irregular octagon.’ We only have round shaped spaces. You need to fit through that. If you try really hard, you can change, because we need the same result from you as we do from the circles’

Does that not sound ridiculous?

Tomorrow is the start of the new academic year. Teachers all over the country will be undergoing their first training of the term. Planning of new and exciting content will commence along with techniques to make learning accessible to all students. If only the education system would align with the progress in recognising neurodiverse conditions. These conditions prove that one size absolutely does not fit all.

What a happy, fulfilled and confident set of achievers we would have then? Always.

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August 20, 2025

Wildlife Encounters in Changing Landscapes

Lost Walks (2024) Mixed Media

Our usual early morning dog walk has been disrupted by metal fences that now barricade the usual route around the field. There will be no more peaceful sunrise walks with long summer grasses brushing past our legs. There will be no random daffodils, Fireweed, and Toadflax to photograph. I feel the need to capture them every year because they look different in some way. Most sadly of all though, there will be no more Lupins which I have looked forward to every springtime.

Maze doesn’t know why we can’t turn right anymore. Every morning she stands to look through the fence at the space. This has been her morning routine nearly all her life.

Neighbours, fellow dog walkers, and human walkers are lamenting the loss of this once appreciated open space. The wider community is also voicing concerns and expressing their sadness. But, it’s important to remember that the homes we enjoy were once an open space enjoyed by someone. My own home was the first house in the road and was a small farm. That said, this space and the fields beyond the woods which have also succumbed to developers, will be sorely missed. Most importantly, the wildlife will be forced out. In the last few days, I have seen more deer and more rabbits. I also spotted a field mouse that bolted out of the hedgerow straight into my path. I shrieked (not a fan, although I admit it was cute) and the creature looked startled and ran away (phew).

Everything Changes as the wonderful Gary Barlow once wrote and we can either fight these changes or embrace them. Sometimes change is for the better. The field in our road has fallen prey in recent years to wildfires. They are creeping closer each time to the back garden fences.

Life is already too short for fighting I think.

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May 24, 2025

The Buzz of Productivity: Lessons from My Working Journey

While it suits me to be flexible, my working pattern has recently been extremely up and down. It has also been diagonal!

I appreciate that I can breathe between the hours each day. I can pay attention to the things that matter and be here. I can sit in the sun or listen to the rain during a coffee break.

That’s a point, I can have a coffee break when I need one….

Two days ago, I discovered I had an unexpected day at home. Both my appointments that day were cancelled. a field near home where I walk is now filled with a pink and purple showcase of Lupins. I watched a bumblebee travel from flower to flower collecting what she needs from each resplendent bloom.

I am a bee. I travel from teaching jobs to coaching appointments; tuition to art exhibition. I am commissioned to make art so there’s consultations and testing to do. There are other roles in between that don’t have a name and then there’s writing workshops and lessons. Examples for these lessons to be created and photographed. There is also the accompanying admin to all of this. I am content though. I love being in charge of my time and I have a literal buzz around me when I’m working. Like the bees, I feel that I’m doing what I’m meant to do. It’s how I fit into my tiny corner of the world.

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May 12, 2025

Embracing Risk: Lessons from a Snail’s Journey

I met this little snail this morning who was also taking an early morning walk…er…slide..glide..whatever snails do. Actually, I nearly stood on him. I’m sure I have mentioned that during my walks, when my brain starts to relax, random questions arise. These questions are mind boggling yet maybe not so ridiculous. For instance, ‘why do slugs even try to cross this footpath? Why does it not realise the danger it is in just by breaking cover?’

So naturally, I nearly stood on this tiny creature. I asked the same thing in my head, of course. I haven’t taken to chatting out loud with the wildlife just yet.

But you know, then for the first time I started to think, why wouldn’t they cross? Why spend all of their already short life hiding away? I have never been a risk taker. I won’t even leave the house without a fully charged phone. I always have a ‘cardie’ just in case. I need to know when and where I will eat, drink, or do anything else that keeps me functioning. spontaneity is not my middle name! As a young girl and woman, I was careful not to draw attention to myself. If anyone said I was good at art, I played it down. I much prefer to heap attention and praise on others. I certainly wouldn’t speak in front of people. I was too scared to try anything new in art. What if I was rubbish at it? Everyone would see. I wasn’t exactly encouraged by school, so I don’t totally blame myself anymore.

In the last decade or so, I have taken some brave (for me) leaps of faith. I have exhibited my work in galleries. I have even won a couple of competitions. I have taken on jobs without knowing if I would be any good at them. Just because I knew they would be an amazing string to my bow if I was good at it. I am excited to learn new techniques. I am even more excited to pass on what I have learned.

Be more snail.

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May 5, 2025

Untitled

Look at this field of dandelions. I can never fully capture on camera the beauty of a vast field that stretches as far as the eye can see. I see them every day for weeks, yet I always find a new composition, angle, or reason to photograph them.

My calm brain starts thinking of random things… How many dandelions are in the world? Who said we can tell the time with them? As a little girl, I would pick a ‘dandelion clock’ and blow out breaths that magically matched the hour! I think I only ever did this at three o’clock since it wouldn’t take twelve breaths had I done it at noon.

All these dandelions began their lives at around the same time, but some have already lost many of their fluffy white seeds to the wind, while others are trying to hold on to theirs. I love a good metaphor, and I’ve recently returned to teaching at school. Each class is made up of children from various backgrounds and cultures. No two children, aside from siblings, have the same family situations, but even then each one has their own unique emotions, thoughts, and comfort zones.

So why are they all expected to be equal in their ability to learn the same things at the same pace? Our dandelion counterparts live in the same field, but conditions play a part in how their future is shaped and yet they will all if given the chance to live, progress through life and thrive. All strong and capable, but finding these strengths and capabilities at different times of life.

Of course it is essential in formal education to monitor progress, thats what purpose it should serve though, monitoring progress checking that there are no barriers to learning that can be solved with kindness not threats and sanctions. Each beautiful dandelion will reach its full potential in good time. Maybe not by conforming and living up to the same expectations as others; but by encouragement and patience and the resources to give the individual guidance that is so needed.

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April 15, 2025

Creating Mindfulness in Nature: A Reflective Outing

This weekend, I was working alongside fellow creatives in leading some community workshops in a non residential retreat. Titled, Creative Calm, these were held on the beautiful campus at ARU Writtle. I designed short tasks using drawing, painting, and writing. These short tasks embrace the idea that mindfulness can be achieved by focusing only on the moment.

Engaging with nature is known to improve life balance. It keeps us mentally fit and promotes a positive sense of wellbeing. Walking in green spaces, forests, woods, and fields makes us feel wholesome. More importantly, it allows us to reset our busy minds when partaking at either end of the day. Being creative also holds these powers. It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced and confident artist. You can also enjoy these benefits, even if you consider your skills to lie elsewhere. The secret to unlocking the powers is understanding that we, as humans, are part of nature. We are not a separate entity. Nature is made up of living, moving, ageing and ever-changing matter. We are just that.

Last week was filled with sad news of the passing of friends and family of friends. I chose a corner of the memorial garden on campus to create a watercolour painting. I’m unsure if that is the name of the garden. It has become a place where tributes are left in memory of those that have passed in recent years. It is also a retreat for peaceful sitting. As I studied the leaves, flowers and man made structures; I reflected, just sat and thought. I layered my painting with the subtle changes in green tone. My aim was to give it the depth and richness I wanted to achieve. I pondered (now there’s a word I don’t use often enough) on how and when we turn to nature. We use plant materials to celebrate life, whether that life is in the current, recently or long since passed. Flowers are given, wreaths or bouquets are laid or trees are planted in memorial. We become connected to nature by these acts of tenderness throughout our lives; we become memories planted firmly in those places of solace when we have moved on. This little corner of the campus is truly a wonderful place for addressing life balance and mental reset. Capturing the current through text and poetry can develop or strengthen mindful practice. It lets us close all the open tabs and hit the power down button for a short while.

My outcome from this session? Life really is too short, do what feels right and change direction if necessary. Cliched I know, but there are many paths to explore.

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Tag: reality