The Light Pours out of Me - Magazine

'The Cold Light of Day' - Devoto, Shelley & Mcgeoch

At just two days into 2026 and the New Year and especially Christmas already feeling like a lifetime ago, it’s east for things to become very flat. Yet after seeing my first Daffodil of the season I have an overwhelming feeling of coming out of the darkness and immediately feel physically and mentally healed.

You see, you’re a winner if you get out and doing anything this time of year especially in the restricted daylight of winter and the restricting icy weather conditions. Staying indoors makes brightening the mood a real uphill challenge.

From misery one Daffodil can change your world. Combine that with fifteen minutes more daylight in the afternoons since the winter solstice and I’m feeling quite chipper atm as I only see sunny days ahead. I mean, it can’t get any gloomier, can it?

Eutopia is literally fifty-seven days away. Then we’ll finally hit March, and I know that things will become a whole lot brighter indeed.

 

We often speak about there being light at the end of the tunnel or having a light bulb moment. Light is an integral part of our lives. I mean light IS life. Without light from our Sun, we wouldn’t exist. So, it’s no wonder that in the darkness of deepest Winter, things can feel somewhat flat.

 

Making sense of the darkness is the key to making the most of the New Year and kick starting your future success.

 

Being ahead of the game, that’s the best place to be – firmly looking forwards. I’m already thinking about April’s Marathon des Sables and the challenges that it will bring. Your challenge might be thinking about getting to April, booze-free or 10kgs lighter - you know your agenda, your goals, your dreams. Yet in the first few fledgling days of 2026 - these can feel a light-year away and it’s easy not to be bothered or simply give up.

 

For me the biggest boost was one Daffodil - and in a moment I felt my mood lift. I feel more energised, positive and brighter, knowing that we’ve survived the worst of the Winter Solstice.

 

And as we endure the darkness of winter together, please don’t suffer your own personal darkness alone. And if you are finding hard to see any bright spots ahead of you, reach out and I’ll help you spread some light on your future.

 

I’m here and I’m buzzing.

1,232 Marathons - 290 Ultras - 18 MDS - 10 GWR - 1 Daffodil