January. Not everyone's favorite month. It begins after the holidays when everyone has to clean up and find room to store the presents received (including enough toys to open our own store). Then there are those new year's resolutions which always include losing weight and doing more exercise. Shoveling must count, right? Oh yes, the lovely weather in January has our attention, too. Tons of white snow against the dark sky that comes all too early in the afternoon. And we wonder why we feel out of sorts this time of year?
I could say we should all let our hair down and take up a winter sport like skiing or snowboarding. But my lack of heeding past new year's resolutions having to do with losing weight and moving more caution me that my body probably won't be able to handle this new hobby too easily. Never mind my back or knees.
All right, then how about a less physical new hobby? How about hooking Netflix up to my tv so I don't have to mail them back and wait so long in between movies? Or does shopping for deals at the mall count? The cold and dark just make me want to stay under my covers. Animals hibernate this time of year - shouldn't we take their lead? My body needs rest. Hey, have you seen the snow out there? Travel isn't easy - another reason to stay close to home.
Oh, January. I'm really trying. Forgive me for not sticking to those resolutions - but my mind is numb from the cold. My body is sore from shoveling. And I'm too busy reading directions on those toys from Santa to spark a creative thought. Have patience with me, January. Things will be different next month with Valentine's Day and only 28 days to get through until we feel closer to spring. Who am I kidding? My ode to February will be coming next! Winter in New England. You've got to love it - why else would we put ourselves through it?!
We have seasons for a reason. Listen to Mother Nature and allow yourself time to enjoy the winter slumber. Forgive yourself. You can start fresh at any moment - it doesn't have to be January 1st! Spring is coming. What better time to change than when birds are singing and the sun reappears? Hey - we'll all feel just like freakin' Snow White! Energy is on the horizon so be gentle with you and chill out with people who make you smile. It was why January was invented. Mother Nature constantly reminds us with her fresh white blanket, tucking us in like newborns. And you don't mess with Mother Nature!
