January a time for comfort, not resolutions
I think the celestial gods have it all wrong. I’d like to know who decided that January was the time to re-evaluate and set new goals. The first few weeks of any new year are inundated with suggestions on how to lose weight, eat healthier and adopt resolutions to be a better you.
Wake up and exercise, says the morning talk show 20-something in spandex. I can’t help but think she’s freezing in her skimpy outfit. Work on relationships, they say, by spending 10 minutes a day sharing “appreciations.” I don’t know about you, but cultivating a relationship with Netflix sounds pretty good on these cold, dark days. Try substituting ice cream with frozen pureed bananas, they say, urging healthier eating habits. No words for that one.
January, I argue, is a time to nest. After the holiday busyness, it is nice to just take a deep breath and relax. Think of it like cocoon living. Why now would I possibly want to lose weight when my daily uniform of sweat pants has at least 10 more pounds of leverage? Who cares about healthy eating when all I want is a creamy potato chowder to warm my insides as the snow lingers beyond the kitchen window?
This is the time to settle into comfort. While the cold winds bluster, meatloaf with mashed potatoes is much more appealing than quinoa and kale salad. And crafting some road to new beauty? Well, I’ve put my makeup drawer on hold until further notice. My goals include staying warm, getting lost in a good book, and allowing myself permission to remain still long enough to enjoy a steaming cup of hot tea.
So, here’s my suggestion: Let’s have this conversation in April, following nature’s example of redefinition. When slumbering trees awaken green buds of renewal, then it is time to join the bandwagon of refreshment. Spring welcomes the journey toward awakening. When the daffodil shoots defy the lingering chill, it is time to defy the aging process and move among restored beauty. And when the sunshine offers the opportunity to swap wool for cotton, we can be assured of nature’s promise to provide inspiration in how to better ourselves.
Come April, I will seek the farmer’s markets and savor the crunch and ignition of fresh and healthy food.
As we navigate the quiescence of winter, I vote all resolutions be allowed some space. Let’s take the opportunity to rekindle simple joys. It’s OK to rest a bit, so that we don’t miss the wonder of simplicity without the self-criticism. Perhaps if we allow some time to be still and accept our imperfections, creativity will speak between the deep breaths of our “doing nothing.” And don’t let anyone tell you “doing nothing” is doing nothing. I hear my mother’s voice reminding me that stillness is where dreams are born.
The year is young. Surely, our challenges are many. At least for a time, let’s embrace our shortcomings and find solace in the comfort of ourselves and one another. Even the caterpillar needs a cocoon in order to grow wings. Until the balminess of spring encourages flight, I will remain quite happy nestled, burrowed and challenged to find solace in really ... not much. Hot chocolate, anyone?