Honoring Your Seasons

While many people acknowledge January 1 as the start of the new year, I operate a little differently. My personal new year kicks off on my birthday, November 22nd. It’s my favorite holiday, and always feels like a fresh start. 

I’ve been reading a lot lately about the seasons of life versus the way we think our seasons operate. Winter is a time of hibernation, rest and slowing down. For me, it hits just after my personal new year starts. My brain is in reflect and plan mode: reflecting on what’s happens, what worked and what didn’t work, what dreams i have for the future, and laying the foundation to set me up well after the season breaks. Until recently, it didn’t dawn on me that my personal new year happens at the same time the seasons tell us to slow down, to reflect, to move slow, to prepare. 

For me, this is when everything is quietest. And when it’s quiet is exactly the moment/point when I am my most creative and have the most clarity. Answers to questions I have (and even the ones i didn’t know I had) just flow effortlessly. I may be doing laundry and it just pops into my head. I have to constantly write things down so i don’t lose them, but it doesn’t mean it’s all ready to act on right then.

I’m grateful for this time. It truly is my favorite time of the year. I have a few things I’m working on in 2026. My word for the year is Intentional, and it is largely about being intentional about what i do, who i do it with, who gets my time and attention and how I protect my peace. I purposed that this would be a year of building, but that’s building will be done quietly. Not everything is for public consumption, a lesson I’ve been learning (and relearning if I’m being honest) for a while, and I think i get it now. 

Whatever season you’re in, I hope you lean into it and embrace it. There is beauty in the flow. It’s where ease and peace resides. 

Happy New Year!