The shortest month is never sweet, coming at the dog-end of winter. Yet it acts as a reminder to lift our heads and engage with the outside world again, to end the hibernation and breathe deep. We need help to revive ourselves; nourishing mind and body with good food and old friends, maybe a homemade remedy or massage. A walk on a melancholy shore can be beautifully uplifting. Look ahead and you’ll glimpse winter’s end, but contentment can also be found in the here and now. Embrace February’s calm as a tonic to send you into spring.

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

View the sampler here