A Quiet Beginning

A gentle unfurling at the threshold of Imbolc

At the cross-quarter day,
Brigid stands witness as
Winter loosens its grip,
Releasing promise to the softening air.
Candles flicker as we gather by the hearth,
Gazes drawn to the slow but steady
Returning of the light.
We waken with the world.
A gentle stirring
Spark
Ignites within.
Hope and healing beckon
Calling us forth to create once more,
As the cold retreats.
The shoots of growth that will soon
Emerge above ground
Have already begun their quiet work:
Rooting deeper
So they may better
Reach the light.

For many months, the seed of an idea has been turning over in my head, taking root within my heart. As it began to bloom into more vivid colour, I felt certain that this was an idea I wanted to cultivate and share, and so I began working with it, teasing it into shape, considering how it might best grow. I had thought to announce it to the world on January 1^st—new year, new project and all that jazz. But as January drew closer it just didn’t feel right. It wasn’t ready.

I wasn’t ready.

Then I kept seeing things that reminded me that that ‘New Year’ happens in the depths of winter. Whilst we set off fireworks and raise glasses of champagne, make resolutions and declare intentions, the world itself is still hunkered down. Resting. Preparing. So I decided to take a leaf out of Earth’s book and do the same.

I was in bed before 9pm on New Year’s Eve. It was glorious.

And that seed of an idea? It continued to grow and I’ve been quietly tending it through January. As Imbolc approaches, the threshold between winter and spring slowly emerging, the moment feels right—natural—to share with you what I’ve been working on.

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I have been sharing my writing publicly since February 2014. Twelve years of words sent out into the world. First on my trusty old WordPress blog. Then published in print. And, since 2023, here on Substack. When I started writing here, I carried the name of my WordPress blog over: Thrive in Chaos. The name has served me well, capturing the essence of what I was trying to do in life and in my writing. I even used a shortened version of it for the title of my first poetry collection, Thrive. Thrive in Chaos has been my home for writing through complexity, a companion through my early matrescence and a vessel for my creativity to evolve in safety. But for a while now, the name hasn’t fit quite right. Something has shifted in this season of life. So it’s time for a shift in language to reflect that.

After years of thriving in chaos, I am yearning to feel grounded. Chaos is a part of life. Thriving within it still matters. But I need roots to hold me steady.

So, friends, I welcome you warmly to This Rooted Life.

Whilst it has a new name, the spirit of this space isn’t changing. I still plan to share poetry and personal essays, reflections on life and motherhood and maybe the occasional rant.

With this change, I’m also creating space for more. Because as well as the writing you are used to seeing from me, I’m building a home for something new. Something that has become my heart work in this season of life. Something distinct from, but still connected to, all I usually write about. Which brings me back to that seed of an idea…

Introducing, The Rooted Leader

I am excited (and a little nervous) to be bringing some personal reflections from my professional life into my writing here on Substack, with the launch of a new sister publication to This Rooted Life: The Rooted Leader.

As I move through an ongoing journey of professional development, taking me into more senior roles in my professional life, I’ve felt drawn to writing The Rooted Leader because I want a community within which to explore what it means to lead with integrity, care, and commercial responsibility.

With this publication, I hope to create a space for reflection rather than instruction, that will offer connection and food for thought for leaders who are wanting to slow down long enough to nurture the roots beneath their work.

Monthly essays will explore:

• ethical, human-centred leadership;

• commercial responsibility and integrity;

• care, clarity, accountability, and culture; and

• leadership as a place where head and heart meet.

Alongside these reflective pieces, I will share Reader Rituals in the community chat, offering gentle prompts and opportunities for readers to engage more deeply with each month’s focus—but with no expectation for public engagement. Comments and conversation will always be welcome but what I really want to offer is something valuable for readers to take away into their own work and leadership practice.

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For those of you who are subscribed to This Rooted Life (formerly Thrive in Chaos), I would love for you to join me over on The Rooted Leader as well if this subject feels of interest to you or resonant with your own work, but please rest assured that you will not be automatically subscribed. I am so grateful for the time and space you already give to my work and recognise that the topic of leadership will not be for everyone. I appreciate you whether you decide to accompany me in this new venture or not.

If you do want to receive the essays and community prompts from The Rooted Leader, which will officially launch on Imbolc (1^st February), you’ll need to subscribe here.

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Whether you’ve been reading my work for years or this is the first piece of mine you’ve come across, I want to thank you for being here. Life is busy and filled with so, so many things demanding our attention. I’m honoured that you choose to give some of your precious time to reading my work.

So, as we approach the cross-quarter day at Imbolc, I wish you rootedness, connection, and the quiet unfurling of whatever is in your heart.

As the light returns, go gently, friends.

Jen x