As the calendar moves through January, many of our thoughts shift toward new starts, new hopes, and new efforts to improve our lives.
But I’ve also noticed a growing trend of people pushing back on the typical January activities, opting instead for reminders of concepts like “wintering”—allowing mind, body, and soul to ease into the new year rather than hit the ground running.
I’m writing this on what is considered the 12th Day of Christmas, as the holidays fully fade away. I’m back at my coworking spot, my place for focused productivity, and I’ve spent several pockets of time over the last week or two getting my version of “Plannels” (journals and planners) started. My tree and nativity are still up, but the Santas and stockings came down days ago in favor of celebratory New Year’s decor and hints of winter—although in South Carolina, our winters are undefined and weird.
I’m a conundrum.
I crave unrushed time in the glow of the holidays, yet I’m driven to start some things on January 1st—no matter what social media says. I rebel against the “put the decor up before Thanksgiving, tear it down immediately after Christmas” trend by letting my decorations linger, yet at this point I’m craving uncluttered and simplified space. I embrace the idea of wintering, but I also enjoy getting back into routine and being productive and look forward to more light in the evenings.
I took December off from blog writing, with the unrealized hope that maybe I’d get ahead with some content. And today, I sit with nothing in the queue that looks like my original plan of four tips, twice a month.
Instead, I’ve decided to just share my heart—the tension between laying back and getting going—and the guiding truths that have surfaced for me as themes for this year:
- Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46)
- Freedom within Framework
- Abiding in peace, discerning what steals it
- Cultivating humility
I’ve spent some time with my friend ChatGPT to flesh out more of a guiding path utilizing these concepts, and I like what’s coming together.
Right now, I still plan to write and post in my blog, LinkedIn and Substack at least once a month (more if inspiration hits me) and not limit myself to a particular format or publishing schedule. My more frequent “everyday stuff” sharing will be on Facebook (BethLeMayBeutler), supported by Instagram, with occasional drop-ins to LinkedIn. My Circle of HOPE will remain my inner audience, becuase they support this writer through their financial gifts. (For more info on becoming part of that, click here or message me.)
Wherever you read my thoughts, I deeply appreciate your time. However you decide to approach the conundrum of January, I cheer you on. And wherever you find yourself on this journey of life, I hope you know that God loves you so very much.
Stay hopeful,
Beth