Welcoming the New Year

WINTERING

You may think yourself lazy, or flawed.

Yet your body is made of almost exactly the same elements as the stars.

Your bone composition matches perfectly the coral in the seas, and you, my friend, are ruled by the moon and the sun, the tides and the planets.

Whether you like it or not.

So no, you are not lazy, you are not late.

Nature is simply pulling you to slow, like the life, flora and fauna around you.

It is not your moment to rise.

Look around you. It is winter. You are wintering.

And you are right on time.

-Donna Ashworth

Happy New Year, friends!

The new year, I’m sure, feels like a fresh start to most of us. It’s a time when we look back on the year that’s just passed, take stock of all the highs and the lows, and think about our goals for the coming year. It feels as though we have a chance to wipe the slate clean, to start fresh on who we want to be, or what we want to achieve.

But I know a lot of us can also feel a certain amount of pressure during this time. The phrase “new year, new me” is often thrown around, and with challenges like dry January and online gym programs starting at the beginning of the month, it feels as though we have to hit the ground running from the 1st. And like with most other things, it seems as though everyone online is thriving - and one step ahead. Already read their first book of the year, completed a big hike, booked their first holiday.

However, this year I have started to notice a shift in our collective narrative - and in my opinion, a shift for the better. We’ve started reminding ourselves that although the calendar may have reset, it’s still winter. And it’s okay if we are still wintering. After all, the coldest, darkest time of the year is not exactly the ideal time to start new habits like going to the gym before work, or running a 5k.

Since a lot of us are privileged enough to have time off between Christmas and the New Year, I do still think it’s a valuable time for reflection and intention setting. After all, when else do we have the time to just be still? Christmas week is that wonderful time of year when no one knows what day it is, we’re all eating leftovers and chocolate for breakfast, taking time to be more present with our loved ones.

So I like to use that time to journal - reflect on the year I’ve just had, and think about what I would like the coming year to look like. I think about my travel goals, career goals, relationship goals. I make a vision board. I toast in the new year and look forward to what is coming.

But I absolutely don’t expect - or plan - to make any changes overnight. I’m still waking up later, lighting lots of candles, drinking lots of warm drinks, taking lots of baths. Eating good and hearty food. I’m being gentle with myself, allowing myself to rest during what can be the toughest time of year.

And in spring, I will bloom.

---