Gentle beginnings
January is often described as a new beginning. A reset. A chance to start again. But the truth is, for many people, January doesn’t feel fresh at all. It feels slow. Heavy. Quiet in a way that gives the mind too much space to talk. The noise of December has gone. The expectations of a new year arrive. And suddenly, we’re left with our thoughts — some helpful, some not so kind. Consistency is key, steady improvements, celebrating all the wins big and small. Being guided by our individual knowing . January has a way of amplifying what the mind tells us. “You should be doing more.” “You should feel motivated.” “Other people seem to have it together — why don’t you?” These thoughts can feel convincing, especially when energy is low and the days are darker. But thoughts are not facts. They are often reflections of tiredness, pressure, or old patterns — not truth. One of the most important things we can do for our mental health is pause and notice the story we’re telling ou...