the art of reinvigoration
We’re getting close and personal with a new year. And even though it’s really just the continuing of time, there’s something undeniable about a fresh calendar, a clean page, the first time you write 1/1/26.
It made me realise that this year wasn’t so much “New Year, New You” vibe, but something softer — a pull towards 3 words that came to me on the 199 bus to work:
Reinvigoration.
Reimagining.
Reworking.
But the one that lingered was reinvigoration.
Because it’s a word that doesn’t insist on a complete overhaul. It great, as it likes what already exists. You and I already have things that work, people we love, rituals we adore (rose tea anyone?). I feel like reinvigoration is this:
What if we give a little more life to what we already love?
Google AI told me this: “Reinvigoration means the act of putting new energy, vitality, and strength back into someone or something.” Merriam-Webster added: “to give new or renewed strength or energy to.” And I really like that, to give renewed strength to, or energy to.
I realised — I like reinvigoration as it can be small, subtle, gentle but also gives a ‘certain extra’.
The other day I cleared the pile of books on my bedside table. I took away four — ones I’d finished or knew I wouldn’t read any time soon. It took two minutes, but somehow the space felt fresh again. (Don’t worry, I’m still left with four.)
I have taken a small silver tray that was my late mothers, and repurposed it as my perfume oil tray. It looks beautiful, holds my tiny perfume oils and at the same time it reminds me of her.
Do you have any keepsakes you can repurpose, or as I like to say, reinvigorate?
Maybe its something more tangible, like your wardrobe is calling you.
Maybe the dress you bought for a special occasion — the one now buried in the back of the wardrobe — deserves to be hung where you can see it. I’ve started hanging my favourite dress in our bedroom; it makes me smile each time I see it. Why do we hide away little pieces of joy?
So here’s my invitation:
Take out your favourite handbag, the earrings your best friend gave you, the dress from that amazing night — and let them become living art. Let your eyes land on them daily.
Give life to what you love.
Because there certainly is a romance to living if we create it. We can create a quiet magic by surrounding ourselves with what we love. (This is not for the seasons that bring us to our knees — that conversation requires tea and tenderness). We can be creative with our own life, with what we already own, by reimagining, reinvigorating and creating beauty.
But in the meantime, let’s go forth and:
reinvigorate the makeup tray,
buy the impractical handbag (yes, mine is the red one above),
say more yeses to omens, signs, and glimmers,
step outside and sip tea each morning,
light the good incense,
wear the treasured perfume oil,
wrap ourselves in butter-soft scarves,
paint our nails, whisper our wishes,
and give thanks for the blessings that are already here.
We might just set in motion a series of events, colours and flavours that infuse the fun and mundane (but necessary) parts of our life with happiness, joy and a slice of reinvigoration.
