The end of the year can feel like a whirlwind. December is often a blur of final orders, new year bookings, and festive plans, before we suddenly leap into fresh goals and projects. In this episode, I explore winter as a season for reflection and replenishment, sharing gentle prompts and questions to help you notice what has supported you, the challenges you’ve faced, and what you might want to carry forward — all while embracing the slow, restorative rhythm of this season.

Key takeaways from this episode

• Nature takes time to rest and save energy for what comes next — and we can do the same
• How to give yourself permission to pause and step out of the festive hustle
• Why December 31st isn’t a cut-off — reflection can happen anytime, at your own pace
• Reflection prompts to help you see what’s been meaningful, challenging, or surprising
• Considering what to release and what to carry forward into the new year

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

• Download your Winter Planning Guide — for more reflection prompts, seasonal inspiration, and gentle ideas to tend to your energy as the year draws to a close

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

Discounting can feel like one of the trickiest decisions in a creative business — especially at this time of year, when inboxes and socials are full of sales and “last chance” offers. In this episode,

I’m exploring the realities behind discounting: when it can genuinely support your business, when it can quietly drain your energy or margins, and how to make pricing choices that feel aligned with your values (not the pressure of what everyone else is doing).

Key takeaways

• When discounting does make sense — and how to approach it intentionally
• Why small creative businesses often can’t compete with big-brand discount culture
• The myth that “everyone else is doing it” — and how comparison clouds judgement
• The unseen costs of discounting: financial, emotional, and energetic
• How to make pricing decisions that support your business, your margins, and your wellbeing

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

We all do it — sign up for courses, workshops, or resources that promise to solve a problem or spark inspiration… and then never actually do the work. In this episode, I’m exploring why that happens, the psychology behind it, and giving some gentle permission to ease the guilt.

Key takeaways

• Why we sign up for courses, workshops, webinars, and resources we never finish
• How “future-self thinking” and “illusory progress” can cause problems
• Why doing the work can feel uncomfortable or scary — and why we avoid it
• Reframing guilt: it’s okay not to start or finish everything
• Practical ways to notice patterns and focus on what matters

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights