January was a tough year, but we made it!
The End of January: A Gentle Reminder of Brighter Days Ahead
As the last days of January drift away, there’s a collective sigh of relief. We’ve made it through the post-holiday lull, the grey skies, and the seemingly never-ending month that always feels twice as long as any other. If you’ve felt a little weary, a little sluggish, or just a bit fed up, please know that you are not alone.
New Year's Resolutions: Do They Help or Hinder?
Are you someone who loves them or ignores them? Some of my clients like the reset that a new year brings and use this as a time to start a gym membership or a new routine. Dry January, half-price gym passes…clearly, this is a popular idea for improving ourselves. Yet I can't help thinking we make it especially difficult for ourselves. A very cold, dark, long month with the potential additional stress of tightened finances, may not be the best time for us to start a new exercise regime or commit to giving up something which has helped us cope, even if it isn't helpful long-term.
If we need to be kinder to ourselves, then let's take the pressure off and not set ourselves up to fail. Resolutions to improve ourselves can come at any point in the year and may even stand more chance of succeeding if we choose a time that is sunnier, warmer, more gentle, and more positive.
A Fresh Start is Around the Corner
January often brings with it pressure: New Year resolutions, fresh goals, and the expectation of a complete life overhaul. But by the time we reach the end of the month, reality sets in. Maybe we haven’t stuck to that strict gym routine, maybe our goals feel further away than they did on January 1st, and that’s okay. Real change isn’t about one month; it’s about the gentle, consistent steps we take over time.
Signs of Spring
There are glimmers of hope on the horizon. The days are getting longer. Slowly but surely, the extra minutes of daylight remind us that spring is coming. Snowdrops and crocuses begin to push through the frost, a quiet promise that the darker days won’t last forever. Nature reminds us that renewal happens gradually, and so should our self-compassion.
Let Go of the January Blues
Instead of berating yourself for what you haven’t done this month, celebrate what you have. You made it through the darkest mornings, the short days, and the pressure of new beginnings. You showed up, and that’s enough. Maybe this is the time to be kinder to yourself, to embrace the fact that life isn’t a race, and that small joys, like a hot cup of tea, a good book, or a quiet walk, matter just as much as bigger achievements.
Looking Forward
February brings with it a shift, a sense of movement, a gentle turning of the page. It’s a reminder that things change, that we are always evolving, and that no matter how heavy a month like January may feel, brighter days are always ahead.
So, take a deep breath. You’ve made it through. And with each passing day, a little more light is finding its way back into the northern hemisphere—and into you.
Eleanore
