As the New Year arrives, my focus always turns to new life. I’ll be scurrying around for new plants that add life to my home. Bulbs will be planted inside that will bloom to remind me as the darkness and winter cold ensue that spring will come.
January is a hard month for many, with shorter days, cold weather, and bleakness that just permeates after all of the busyness of December. With tinsel, lights, cozy warmth, and decorations removed that heralded Christmas, our homes and businesses look emptier, don’t they? I’m leaving some of my green wreaths and sprays out just a tad longer to prevent that forlorn feeling.
Often we are recuperating from budget and account drains, less family and friends around, and fewer feet under our tables this month. I get it.
But, if we aren’t careful, those subtleties can shift moods, and unhealthy feelings can settle in. My remedy for this? Add new life into your homes. Find new plants to love or add fresh flowers from the grocery or your favorite flower shop.
Why is it we only “celebrate” special occasions with flowers? But, do you often treat yourself to your favorite plants or flowers?
I’m adding new herbs to my kitchen, narcissus bulbs to my dining table, and ferns throughout my home. There’s just something with seeing green inside that helps counteract all of the browns outside – right?
Celebrating with others needs to continue during January is my thought. Perhaps, a formal table setting…or game nights, soups or chili suppers with guests…or simply a movie night with popcorn and friends or family are part of the winter joy that will help balance it all for me.
Make happy choices, friends. Many of you will be setting New Year’s resolutions and goals for personal improvement —and I applaud those. Perhaps it’s more gym time, more sleep, or healthier eating habits; those are on my list of goals, too.
For some, traveling is on your agenda this month to somewhere warm or even a snow ski resort. If that’s you—have fun! Enjoy it all!
Sometimes a reset is needed to begin to see life clearly for the new year ahead of you.
What will you reset? What changes will you make this year that will be the BEST for you and your family?
I hope you ponder this as you plan your new year.
Here are a few that you might add:
- Learn something new.
- Add bulbs that will bloom in your home during the winter months.
- Read a new book.
- Try new foods.
- Buy flowers you love.
- Plan a flower, vegetable, or herb garden to plant in the spring.
- Rearrange a room.
- Add a new paint color to your home that brightens your world.
- Practice gratitude each and every day.
- If you have a fireplace, sit by it often with a favorite beverage and allow yourself time to enjoy resting and relaxation. Give yourself permission to do that.
- Gather with friends with feet under your table or a restaurant table if that reduces stress.
- Do something out of the ordinary.
- Evaluate your routine and make healthy choices for extending grace and making changes that may be needed.
May your January move from a gloomy one to one filled with joy.
Perhaps new life all around you may seep deep into your heart and make for a healthier new life for you, too.
