I know that American culture encourages the “new year, new me” mentality. In the past, I have very much enjoyed and embraced that excuse for a fresh start. As of late though, it’s just not how I’m feeling. I may embrace this idea in the future, but not now.
I’ve found that as I’ve been trying to live more rooted in the seasons, there is a different rhythm to be found than the one promoted by our culture today.
All month I have had this deep desire to cozy in, hunker down, create something sustaining in the kitchen for my family, etc. However, the world is trying to tell me January is not the time for what I’m feeling. The world is telling me it’s time to start over, it’s a time when all things become new, it’s a time to strive.
If we look out our windows or go outside, does it seem as if January is really the start of something new? I think the world is off by a few months on this one. (Ahem, that’s Spring.)
I don’t know where you are reading from today but here where I am there has been a big thick blanket of snow covering everything in sight for weeks now. We are in the thick of winter. I don’t feel motivated to tackle new weight loss goals or make resolutions. I feel like living quietly with the ones I love. I feel like making bread and planning out my spring garden. I feel like sitting in the comfy chair that overlooks our pond and knitting while I watch the snow fall outside.
I don’t feel like striving in January; I feel like slowing down.
So, that’s what I’ve been doing. I’ve been trying to maintain my weight while hunkering down for the winter. I have not been working on losing weight but, I have been working on savoring the treasures to be found in this winter season. As the seasons begin to change I trust I will, too.
