The magic of January is that it invites us to stay in and be slow, to do nothing other than sit quietly, snuggled in a cozy blanket, sipping a cup of winter tea. There is no necessity that you have goals or resolutions – in fact, I simply come up with a word (or a few) to guide me through the year. January is a month with few obligations and longer evenings that provide ample time for quiet reflection and introspection, creative pursuits, or simply lingering by the fire.
Last Sunday evening, it began to snow steadily through the night and into Monday, offering a beautiful, fluffy, eight inches of winter wonderland. I sat on the couch Monday morning, watching the snow gently fall through our big open living room window, feeling January’s magic – unhurried and hushed. I felt inspired to write a poem, something I haven’t done in a long time.
I was an English major with a creative writing emphasis, focused on poetry, and my thesis was a collection of poems. I used to write poems constantly. Somewhere along the way, I stopped because I didn’t feel good enough. But on that cold January morning, with the snow still gently falling, it didn’t matter anymore. And so I’m sharing it, and feeling that part of me again.
That evening, with the snow not going anywhere, I finished a puzzle from the holidays, enjoyed a warm cup of peppermint tea, and as always, I journaled and read a few chapters of my book before bed. This is what January has to offer – quiet simplicity, if we only embrace it. So take the pressure off. Spring will come, with plenty of time for doing things; for now, lean into the slowness of winter, and feel its magic.
P.S. More winter magic, decorating for winter, an intentional winter, and self-care for feeling good on cold days.
