Five Tips To Help You Fall In Love With January
Hello there January! I used to dread you so much but I’ve come to grow really fond of you and I’m really happy to see you again.
I totally appreciate that you may not feel as excited and happy about January as I am. Do not worry. It’s taken a lot of work to get to where I am now. The birth of my first son in January 2009 helped kick-start my love affair with this first month of the year. Eleven years on I really do enjoy this month, so I thought it would be lovely to share my tips for learning to love January.
Cosy blankets and warm jumpers : I really love snuggling under a blanket with a good book or a film to watch. Over the years I have collected a lovely number of blankets and shared my love with my family. I really miss using blankets in the Summer months, so I remember to really embrace them in the winter months. And I also move big, warm jumpers. They are so comforting. I love sometimes wearing my husband’s jumpers and my daughters love wearing mine. It’s like a big hug from someone you love, especially if they are at work!
Quiet time for myself : We always see a lot of family and friends over Christmas and New Year, so I really treasure the time I get to myself in January. I have learned to book out time just for me this month as I find I need it more than at other times in the year. I spend time journalling, reading, walking, visiting art galleries or book shops. I also keep an eye out for when the Snowdrops will be appearing at Chelsea Physic Garden and make sure I have a date with myself and these special flowers towards the end of the month.
Time for creativity : Christmas is always a really creative time for me and there’s nothing like creativity energy to produce more creative energy, so I always make sure I keep creating in January. It doesn’t have to be anything huge or challenging. Small projects I can do with my children or some sewing towards a bigger project. I also make sure that I spend some time on Pinterest filling up my Make and Do board, so I have projects to do throughout the year. This year I have made myself a year long creative challenge, which I will share very soon with you. This challenge has already bought joy into our January!
Time for planning : January is such a wonderful month to journal and plan. I love reflecting on the past year and all that I have learned. And then to spend time looking forward to planning things that I want to achieve, do, feel and be in this beautiful new year. This year we have a whole new decade ahead of us, which is super exciting. I find journalling such a wonderful practise and I know that they more that I do in January, the more I will do for the whole year.
Embracing the season : nature and the seasons are such wonderful teachers. Each year I try to connect with and embrace each season even more. I go for mindful walks in the park and woods and try to notice as much about the Winter this month as I can. Winter is so important for resting and restoring. Look at the trees and the animals, they are doing just that. I don’t find my urge to sleep more and rest more. It is a month to go gently and to nourish my body and my soul, ready for the Spring that lies ahead.
I hope these tips help you to fall in love with January this year, even if it’s just a little bit. xo
