I don’t know about you but I absolutely LOVE the period between Christmas and New year’s. Nothing to do. No shopping. No working. No plans. No wrapping. No organizing. No cleaning. No cooking of big meals. Noth-ing. Just typing that makes me breathe easier.
There is something extra delicious when there is space. Space in my calendar. Space to think. Space to pause. Space to just BE. And that is why I love this time of year.
As New Year’s approaches I always become more mindful and introspective. I look back and I look forward. It feels as though I am standing at a T-intersection. 2020 to my left and 2021 to my right.
I must confess that 2020 has been a year of indulgences – LOTS of extra eating and drinking – and not kale smoothies either. As a result, I am not waiting for January 1 to clean up my diet a titch (or perhaps a bit more than a titch!). Either way as I was hiking in the snow yesterday I got all inspired to really re-set my health.
Drink more water.
Eat more greens.
Move daily.
Stop drinking wine every day.
No electronics at bedtime.
Go plant-based diet.
Throw out all the cookies, carbs, snacks, dips and cheese in my fridge.
Stock up on turmeric and ginger.
Well you get the idea. Once I get motivated, I tend to go overboard on changing all my habits at once. In case it isn’t obvious, this is the worst idea ever. Try to change everything results in overwhelm and in the end you will change nothing or make the smallest of dents and then revert back to your old habits.
So I gave myself a good talking to and instead have opted to do three things for the next 30 days:
Track my health (water, food and exercise)
Commit to times of no-electronics.
Pause for 10 minutes (at least) everyday.
I love using the energy of the seasons to guide me. Here is the western hemisphere it is winter and the perfect time hibernate and move slow. Make decisions slowly. Not be in a rush. Maybe even sleep extra long (maybe not for 1000 days like bears can but I will leave that up to you!).
So the moral of this story is this:
If you find yourself super motivated, resist the urge to go hog-wild. Set no more than 3 goals and look at tiny habits versus making great changes.
But if your find yourself not motivated in the least, honour that. Sleep on it. Literally. Rest and allow your curiosity to lead you into the new year s-l-o-w-l-y.
There is no right or wrong way to start a new year. Read that again. No wrong. No right. Just what is right for YOU.
And if I can be of service in any way, just say the word.
b