What does the month of January mean for you?
New Year, new beginnings, setting goals, giving some things up, starting others, etc. There are plenty of sources of help and support available to you if this is where you are in your life right now. If this is what you need, then just go ahead and I hope you achieve all that you need and want for yourself in 2025.
But I’ve been pondering about this type of messaging for a while now. I understand why the turn of the old year and the start of a new one can hold hopes of renewal and new beginnings. It’s traditional and familiar, but you could also look at it as just another month amongst twelve. Should one day in the calendar make such a difference to how we see ourselves, our lives, relationships, health and wellbeing?
Christmas and the turn of the year is a very joyful and celebratory time for many but it can be a very challenging time for others. Some people may be dealing with grief, loss, physical illness or struggling with their mental health. Or perhaps they’re just worn out by financial worries and the pressures that daily life can bring.
Changing The Wellbeing Focus
I’m wondering if a different approach to the New Year would be more helpful? How about turning the focus onto yourself, your needs and your immediate wellbeing? Ask yourself “what do I need right now? Would it be more helpful and less pressured for you to focus on the here and now, today, and not how the rest of the year might pan out? This approach potentially takes less energy and allows you to make yourself your priority, something a lot of people struggle with.
I’m not about to prescribe what this might look like for you as I believe you know you and your needs best. It might take a bit of practice, but you don’t need any equipment, exercise clothes and there’s no joining fee. A suggestion for getting started is to consider these two questions:
1. What do you need more of right now?
e.g. self-kindness, rest, time for yourself, self-acceptance, more focus on your needs and wants, support, someone to listen.
2. What do you need less of right now?
e.g. less focus on what you think you should be doing, self-criticism, overthinking, less focus on other people’s needs. Less thinking you have to be strong and do it all yourself.
Thank you for reading this and I wish you all that you wish for yourself in 2025 and beyond.
