writing | Samantha Humphreys

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 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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November 4, 2025

The Legacy of Witches: Nature, Society, and Modern Reflections

Had I been unfortunate enough to have existed a few hundred years ago, instead of now, I would almost certainly have been burned at the stake. Alternatively I may have been drowned in a nearby river for my bohemian aspirations and approaches to a healthier mental lifestyle.

Indeed, in my early twenties I was called a witch on many an occasion, mainly by undesirable beings I acquainted. This was for the boring but predictable reason that I wore black a lot and was dark haired, rather than it being the aura of mystery that clearly surrounded me! (wink).

Back then, I was far more reserved; I would not have admitted to many of the things that scored credit in my mental well-being ratings. For example, my autumn leaf crunching habit—crunching with my feet, that is—my leaf collecting habit (always useful for an artist to have) or my aversion to using artificial lighting in the morning unless absolutely essential (yes, I will sit in the dark eating my breakfast) as it is far more conducive to a fabulous gradual start to the day than putting the light on. I don’t care who knows now of course because individuality is to be embraced so it is much easier to find a place in the world in which to sit comfortably.

I have been tutoring English GCSE since earlier this year. In the literature we study, themes of misogyny and equality are common. Currently, we are discussing Macbeth, and the Essex Witch Trials have come up to provide context. In Shakespeare’s time, many believed in the occult and psychic powers, often respecting the boundaries of these beliefs, yet there was no respect for the women who were practicing witches. Witchcraft was used to explain any behavior from women that went beyond what men in society deemed acceptable, whether it was healing with herbal teas or being attractive and ‘bewitching’ to men.

Women accused of witchcraft faced trials and were put through tests to show if they were guilty or not. No matter the outcome, many died.

I find it interesting that I live in a village where witchcraft is part of the history embroidered through the foundations of the beautiful houses that ooze history, juxtaposed and standing strong with the twenty-first century new builds. These structures tell tales not only in their powerful architecture but also of the natural energy that beats from them like a heartbeat. These aged villages that are scattered through Britain seem to thrive like a tree growing in nutrient rich soil. The soil they are flourishing in though is intrigue, mystery and wonder. What about the witches who lived here before me, weaving their ‘spells’ in order to live in harmony with nature? I try to imagine how they felt to live in fear of facing accusations knowing that once that day came, there would be no hope.I believe that’s a story worth looking into, a deep dive into the past that could reveal how their legacy intertwines with our contemporary lives, inspiring a rediscovery of the magic that still lingers in the air.

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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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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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