I don’t know about you, but once the confetti settles and the calendar flips, I often feel a little… untethered.
The holidays are done, the New Year has officially begun, and suddenly there’s this unspoken pressure to know–know what you’re doing, where you’re headed, what your goals are for the year ahead… as if January 1st arrived with a pop quiz.
Meanwhile, Nature is having none of that.
The trees outside my window aren’t setting intentions, and the river hasn’t outlined a five-point plan. Winter is still wintering—quietly, slowly, without explanation.
And somehow, everything keeps moving forward anyway.
That feels like a message.
This past week has been full of predictions, like “Thank goodness the Year of the Snake will be over, because the Year of the Horse will be so much better!” And I wonder: didn’t I think that last New Year?
This first week already feels different…quieter, less flashy. It’s easier to hear Nature now.
And she is offering her deep, quiet truth: you don’t need to push so hard; it’s all unfolding, as it always does.
The same wisdom that tells a seed when to sprout, a river how to bend, and the earth when to rest, lives in you, too. It may not shout, and it doesn’t use bullet points. But it’s remarkably good at guiding you—especially when you stop long enough to listen.
You don’t have to figure out the whole year right now. You don’t even have to name your goals. And let’s not even get started on those short-lived resolutions!
According to Nature, this early stretch of January is better suited for something softer, more authentic, more you.
🌿 Here’s a 3-minute tiny but mighty practice to help you let go of the cultural push and relax into your own truth:
Take a moment to pause, outside if you can, or near a window or a favorite plant. Let your body settle. Drop your shoulders. Breathe. Now, instead of thinking about what you should do this year, gently ask yourself: What does my soul yearn for?
Then simply listen—no editing, rationalizing or arguing—just listening. Maybe it’s ease, or community, or something creative. Or rest. Maybe it’s something that doesn’t yet have a name. Let whatever arises be enough.
From that place, make a simple intention–not a goal. Something that feels nourishing rather than demanding. Something you’d like to grow toward, not chase.
Take one more breath and trust this: the same quiet intelligence guiding Nature forward is already helping you find your way.
No rush. No list required. No worries if it drops out of your awareness. You have deeply acknowledged yourself, and that in itself moves mountains.
Wishing you beauty and peace, sprinkled generously with joy, in 2026!
Embracing the Quiet of January
January's quiet is a gift, not an uncomfortable space that requires filling. It’s not an off-to-the-races concept. Nature's take is more subtle: slow down, breathe, and allow. Remember, "Winter is still wintering—quietly, slowly, without explanation."
In a world that values action and achievement the most, this quiet is like an act of soft rebellion… it can feel a little uncomfortable. Yet, it's in these moments of stillness that we often find our truest direction.
Here’s a gentle invitation.
Pause with the stillness of a winter tree
Let go of the need to "do" and allow yourself to "be"
Listen to the whispers of your own inner wisdom
This quiet doesn't mean doing nothing; it means being intentional about how we show up. You don’t need to lie on your couch in pajamas for a month.
What if January's quiet is an invitation to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness? To notice the subtle nudges and whispers that often get drowned out by the noise of the hustle and high stress that is expected in January. By embracing the quiet, we create space for reflection, restoration, and renewal.
As you navigate this early stretch of January, consider: What am I being invited to let go of? What am I being called to cultivate? The answers might not come thundering in, but rather in the gentle whispers of your own heart.
Cultivating Intention Without Pressure
Here’s the truth… You don’t have to set a bunch of goals and race off the starting blocks as soon as we hit January. Instead of crafting a rigid plan, try treating your intentions like a gentle inquiry. Ask yourself: What am I curious about? What feels alive in me? What wants to unfold?
Because what we often forget is, it’s still winter. Yes, it’s the start of the calendar year, but we are still in the heart of the dark, cold, still season. A season that brings a hibernation, a reset, and a need for coziness.
When we approach intentions with curiosity, we open ourselves to possibilities. We stop trying to control the outcome and start exploring the journey. This mindset shift can be especially helpful in January, when the pressure to "get things right" and start right away can be overwhelming. If we look at Nature, that’s simply not what it’s doing.
Here are a few ways to cultivate intention without pressure:
Notice what sparks joy or curiosity: What activities make you lose track of time? What topics do you find yourself reading about or exploring? What makes you feel alive? Can you find more ways to include that without adding too much pressure to do it?
Let go of outcomes: Instead of focusing on a specific goal, focus on the process. What small steps can you take today that align with your curiosity? Do you need to dive into an achievement goal simply just to make it to the end? Or can you choose something where you get just as much excitement and learning from the actual process as you do from making it to the end? Focus on the journey.
Practice self-compassion: This is something that isn’t talked about nearly enough. If your intentions don't unfold as expected, that's okay. Intention is a path, not a destination. Take moments throughout this year to shower yourself with love and self-compassion. The wins will feel sweeter, and the setbacks will feel less hard.
By approaching intentions with kindness and ease, we create space for growth, exploration, and discovery. Nature can teach us a lot, as long as we are willing to listen and observe its natural processes.
Reflection Questions:
How can you slow down and create more space and openness this New Year’s? How will that make you feel?
What is something you can learn from Nature as we enter a brand new year? How can you implement that in your life in a mindful and manageable way?
What’s one intention you can set this year for yourself that doesn’t come with a lot of pressure to perform and achieve?