I can’t believe it is January 2022. Another year passed and a new year of opportunity awaits. As I write this article, I look outside to a blanket of white and a still and peaceful neighborhood. Schools are closed and the roads are still a little too icy for easy travel. So what do you do with January days like this? From family and friends, I hear many different things. Some are excited to have a snow day and play outside. Some are frustrated because they are not able to drive and do the things they want to do. Some like to use this time to “chill out,” literally and figuratively.
I love January for reflecting, slowing down after the holidays, and getting my mental and physical house back in order. I don’t really enjoy going out in the snow myself, but I do enjoy watching the peace from my window and seeing children enjoy it. January is a great time for thinking about what new things or situations you want in your life and what changes you want to make in the new year. I don’t roll out of bed on Jan. 1 with a list of new year’s resolutions. I use the whole month to think about what I want to change and how I want to go about it.
A good way to go about this process is to think about the categories of life that are important to you such as cultivating relationships, taking on a new work or creative project, focusing on your spirituality, or enhancing your health and wellbeing. Your categories are just that: yours. Think about what’s important to you. First, determine what areas are strong right now. What are you doing well? Then, think about the areas that could use some attention.
What I notice about slowing down in January is sometimes we uncover new ideas or driving emotions that didn’t have time to come out during the busier parts of the year. What instincts are you having? What aspects of your personality are coming out that don’t get as much attention when life is hectic? Follow those thoughts. Take time to explore and really create not resolutions, but intentions for the new year. Keep those intentions close so that they don’t get lost in the shuffle. Determine ways that you can manifest your intentions in your daily life.
Finally, don’t get frustrated if you have a few bad days or even weeks. Life isn’t about being perfect every day – it’s about being better. What can you do better today than you did yesterday? What can you learn from yesterday that can make today and tomorrow better? Take time to sit with yourself and contemplate these things as you create the 2022 that you wish to live. Here’s to your health, prosperity, and happiness in the new year!
