Happy New Year, Christelle,

As the year begins, there’s often a quiet pressure to decide how it should look - goals to set, intentions to name, plans to make.

Before any of that, I’d like to offer a slower place to start.

Before going further, a small note of orientation:

You may notice that this newsletter has a new name. What was previously the Pistachio-Cassis Newsletter is now called A Clarity Pause.

The intention hasn’t changed.

The name simply reflects it more clearly: a short pause, taken regularly, to think with a bit more space and move forward with less friction.

Last year, I chose a metaphor to guide the year.

The image I picked was water flowing along - effortless, adaptable, smooth.

It sounded right. But it wasn’t right for me.

Instead of flowing, I often felt like I was pushing.

Meeting resistance.

Trying to make things happen that weren’t ready.

And feeling more stress than ease along the way.

So this year, I chose differently.

I looked for a metaphor that reflects who I am now - not who I thought I should be.

What came to mind surprised me.

It wasn’t abstract or poetic.

It was about food - a mixed salad I love: endives, blue cheese, apple, nuts, a simple vinaigrette.

Easy to prepare.

Interesting enough not to be boring.

With enough room to experiment.

Great to enjoy with good company – or just as much on my own.

It’s not about perfection.

It’s about balance, variety, and simplicity.

And it feels like the kind of life I want to cultivate in 2026.

This experience reminded me of something simple, but important:

a metaphor only helps if it fits.

So I’ll leave you with a gentle question to start the year:

If 2026 were an image that truly reflects who you are right now - and how you want to live this year - what would it be?

You don’t need to act on it.

Just notice what comes up.

That’s enough for now.

A practical note to close.

• A Clarity Pause is now sent every two weeks, each issue offering a short pause for reflection and next steps - nothing more, nothing less.
• This newsletter is now also available in French: if you’d prefer to receive Une Pause de Clarté, you can subscribe here.

Thank you for being here, and for taking this pause.

Christelle

Self-Leadership Catalyst - Small steps. Real progress.

Christelle

Self-Leadership Catalyst: Small steps. Real progress.