January:
-a new start
-time to create and work toward goals
-go to the gym
-diet
-clean closets....
OR to rest.
Or is January a time where, like in other areas of our life, two things can be true at once?
In years past, I have been a part of and led groups where we gathered to set goals for the year and met in January to work the process and hold one another accountable to their goals. I have also been a part of groups where this was just another way of measuring productivity and not necessarily measuring growth. So, I guess, now is when we need to determine what we are looking for and where we want to go, who we want to be, etc.
If we follow natures lead, we are still in winter. It's a time of rest and recovery. Those seeds we planted are still hidden in the dark soil waiting for warmer weather and more sunshine to sprout. They are resting. So why do we push ourselves into new routines so quickly after turning the page on what is the busiest time of year for most of us?
I will say, I do welcome new routines after the holidays. I love the way the house feels now that all the Christmas decorations have been packed away and everything is clean. It feels like I can take a deep breath. I also have goals and intentions that I want to see come to pass this year. But I have learned that pushing myself into a routine because 'it's what we do in January' (or on Monday or the start of a new month, etc) seems disingenuous to my mental health, growth, and purpose. Instead, I will go through my Life Designer and fill out my intentions and goals. But I will not put pressure on myself to start now...not until I feel rested from the holidays. Not until I can start and feel fully engaged in the process.
So what's the point of this blog? It is to give you permission (not that you need it from me) to do what feels right in your soul. Rest without guilt. Plan with conviction. Maybe you can do both...but there's no pressure to become a new you or a better version of you-just be you. Show up for yourself as your full authentic self. Listen to your heart and your thoughts and let them lead you along your growth journey.
Happy New Year and much love to you,
PS. Don't forget to snap your free download on my website. This week you have a beautiful 2024 calendar that you can download and print or use it on your tablet with the goodnotes app.
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