January Goals, A Softer Take
I’d like to know who decided that January was the time to reevaluate and commit to new resolutions. All around us we are inundated with suggestions to challenge ourselves to lose weight, adopt healthier diets, and resolve to conquer goals once thought unattainable. New year means new you, right? Wake up and exercise, says the peppy exercise guru. I appreciate the suggestion, but I think I’d rather sit with another cup of coffee. Work on relationships, they say, by spending 10 minutes a day sharing “appreciations.” I don’t know about you, but for me, January means a renewed appreciation for Netflix. Try substituting ice cream with frozen pureed bananas, they say, urging healthier eating habits. No comment on that one.
Where are winter’s incentives to motivate other than waiting for the groundhog to remind us that winter isn’t going anywhere. Don’t you just want to settle into comfort and stay warm? Think of it like cocoon living. For now, I’d like to adopt goals that include creating space for a more compassionate self; getting lost in a good book or allowing myself permission to remain still long enough to enjoy a cup of hot tea.
January, I argue, is a time for self-acceptance. Don’t get me wrong. I am all about feeling healthy and strong. However, at the age of 65, I’m not so hung up with how I look in a bathing suit. I’ve come to embrace the love handle that has taken residence around my waist. My goals now include remaining limber and stretchy and being able to get on and off the floor easily with my grandbabies. Also, I’ve learned the power of simply breathing deeply.
So, here’s my suggestion. Let’s have this conversation in March by following nature’s example of renewal. When slumbering trees start to exude hope in green buds, then perhaps it’s time for redefinition. Spring welcomes the journey towards awakening. When daffodil shoots defy the lingering chill, it is time to move among restored beauty. And when the warm winds offer the opportunity to shed layers of fleece, we may feel more motivated to challenge ourselves.
Until then, there are several more weeks of opportunity to dig deep into acceptance. I’ll stick with the bumblebees and ladybugs that lay low during these hideaway months. Come Spring, I’ll seek farmer’s markets and savor the crunch and ignition of fresh and healthy produce. For now, a hearty beef stew simmers atop the back burner of my stove.
As we navigate the quiescence of winter, I vote all resolutions be allowed some space. Let’s take the opportunity to rekindle the simple joys of our status quo. It’s ok to rest a bit, so that we don’t miss the wonder of simplicity without the self-criticism. Perhaps if we allow some time to be still and accept our imperfections, creativity will speak between the deep breaths of our “doing nothing.” And don’t let anyone tell you “doing nothing” is doing nothing. I hear my mother’s voice reminding me that stillness is where dreams are born. The year is young. Surely, our challenges are many. At least for a time, let’s embrace our shortcomings and find solace in the comfort of ourselves and one another. Even the caterpillar needs a cocoon to grow wings. I think I’d rather take my example from the butterfly. Perhaps January should be deemed National Envelop Ourselves Month. Until the balminess of Spring encourages flight, I will remain quite happy nestled, burrowed and challenged to find solace in really, not much. Happiness can be found in the current call for coziness topped with whipped cream. Hot chocolate anyone?