My Intentional Year: A Gentle January
An introduction and invitation to this month's theme.
Hello dear one,
Welcome to the first instalment of My intentional Year. An invitation to explore a new seasonal theme with me each month. By delving into these monthly themes, I hope to support you in connecting with the simple shifts and rhythms that collectively can lead to a more intentional and creative life.
You can read more on what to expect from this space here.
As we continue into 2024, I’ll usually be sharing these invitation posts at the begin of each month. However, I think it’s quite fitting that I am sharing the introduction to our first theme - A Gentle January - a couple of weeks into the month. Especially on this so-called “Blue Monday”, apparently the most depressing day of the year.
Whilst I question the validity of a day coined by marketers to sell holidays, I don’t deny that January can be tricky. After the magic (and indulgence) of the festive season, January can feel a rather bleak month and one full of contradictions. On one hand, the prospect of the fresh start can certainly be appealing. On the other you may recognise that energetically, the depths of winter is not necessarily the best time to take action or make lifestyle shifts.
To combat getting swept up in the pressure and hype that January can bring, I have learnt to root into gentleness as each new year begins.
Going Gently with Purpose
I find gentle to be a delightfully multifaceted intention. It can serve as a welcome reminder to prioritise a slower pace as you let the new year unfurl.
However, committing to going gently doesn’t necessarily mean shunning the other inclinations January may bring up, such as the desire to set goals and map the coming year, but rather it can encourage us to reframe them in a more seasonally appropriate way. For example, what might it look like to set gentle goals? To incorporate gentle movement in you day? To feel gently nourished?
In the hush of a gentle January, I find the space to reflect, realign, and set intentions that are deeply aligned with my core values. It's about acknowledging the subtle power of slow, purposeful movements, allowing ideas to germinate and plans to take shape with thoughtful consideration. This deliberate approach ensures that my goals are not hurriedly resolutions but rather born of a mindful, purpose-driven intentional process.
Holding it Gently
Obviously, setting an intention doesn’t magically make January a gentle month (if only!), two weeks in, I know I’ve personally already had some ups and downs. However, embracing a gentle approach to January can help us to cultivate more self-compassion as we navigate any challenges. We’re reminded to hold it all gently and avoid the pitfalls of being too hard on ourselves.
Journaling Prompts for ‘A Gentle January’
Each month I will share some prompts for you to explore our theme deeper. Ideally you might set aside some time to sit down, with a mug of your favourite winter warmer, and write down some reflections on the following. However, simply contemplating your responses and perhaps jotting some points in your notes app could also be a nice way to reflect.
What does embracing a gentle January look and feel like for you?
What do you find tricky about this season? How can you support or reframe this issue with a more gentle approach?
How could gentle compliment your existing goals, intentions, or word of the year?
What rituals or routines can you establish to nurture yourself gently this month?
I leave you with the encouragement to recognise and honour your individual rhythms this month, and the permission-slip (if you need it) to take January at gentle as you need and want to.
If you have any reflections you’d care to share with your fellow intentional creatives we’d be delighted to read what a gentle January means to you…