How do you feel about January? I’ve talked a lot about how January makes me feel but I’m curious what everyone else thinks. I’m not sure if I’ve ever met anyone who prefers winter over other seasons, but who knows, maybe they’re out there. Somewhere.
I used to think that joy comes with the big things. Like moving to a new house, having a party, holidays or flying somewhere far away. You know, the grandiose things. But from my experience, happiness is an accumulation of joyous events. It’s not a state of continual being and I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to see that.
I think I was searching for a constant state of happiness that is impossible to achieve. And while I was frantically searching, I missed a lot of things directly in front of me in their present moments. It was only the times I spent looking back when I realized they had brought me joy. Now I’m learning to live my life in a way where I appreciate the things directly in front of me at the moment they’re happening. I’m investing more time to be mindful, and it’s making a world of difference in my mental health.
If you’re looking for some inspiration to appreciate the present moments or to simply get you through January, here are some things that have worked for me. <3
ANTIQUING
Antiquing is my number one for sure. I love antiquing year around, but it’s been a great motivator for me this month. I’ve only been to a few antique malls since I moved to Des Moines and there’s still so much left to explore. It’s actually very exciting to see all the new places for the first time. It all sparks lots of joy in my life lately.
GET READY FOR NOTHING
When it’s really cold outside and I have to bundle up to leave the house, it leaves very little motivation to spend the time to get ready. I mean, nobody is going to see what’s underneath all the layers, so I don’t really see the point. However, I find that when I do get ready, I feel better. I try to resist it but it’s the truth. Getting ready for absolutely nothing feels good, so I’m going to keep doing it.
DAY TIME DRIVES
Lately the roads have been an ice block so I’ve tried my best to stay off of them. But when they’re safe, I love spending an hour or so driving around and letting the new neighborhoods and scenery sink in. The sun here is unreal. It seems closer or something. But it’s doing something differently out here in the midwest. It’s intense in the best way possible.
light candles and incense
Environment is important. For me it really sets the tone for my feelings and my mood. I try to make the spaces I hang out in the very best they can be. One of my favorite ways to do that is with candles and incense. My favorite scent it nag champa. I use lots and lots of it.
go for walks
Most of the sidewalks are blocked by snow so at this very moment, walks are out of the question. But, as soon as they clear up I can’t wait to get back to it. All this snow has awakened my appreciation for just walking around the block. I can’t wait to do it again.
take long hot showers
If the closest thing I can get to a hot tub is the shower, then that’s where I’ll be. I usually have to force myself to turn the water off and get out. It’s like a mini-vacation and I get the most out of it that I can.
bake, bake, bake
I recently bought an enameled cast iron dutch oven and I’m taking full advantage of it this month. I originally bought it to bake sourdough bread (I still haven’t made a successful loaf yet) but since that’s on a pause, I’ve now moved onto stews and soups in the oven. It has opened up my world of soups. And baking. And January.
hang out with plants
One of the first things I did when I made my big move four months ago was load up on indoor plants. I traveled with one plant, my beautiful aloe plant and left the rest for the new tenant when I left Connecticut. The aloe seemed so lonely so I got some companions pretty much right away.
I’m still learning how to take care of them and the below zero weather has created some challenges. I’ve made extra effort this month to spend more time paying attention to them and caring for them. The gratification of my monstera getting new leaves is very real.
lots of warm drinks
Of course, tea! Lots of it. I’ve been spending a lot of time with nervous system supporting herbs, so that means chamomile, lemon balm, lavender, valerian root, ashwagandha and all that good stuff.
cuddles!
For me, it’s been lots of doggy cuddles this January. Penny has been in hibernation mode so it’s easy to get right in there with her. I caught a cold last week and took some extra time to rest and listen to my body, and I think Penny really appreciated that.
get car washes
I’m not much for the vanity of car washes, well maybe a little bit, but I’ve been getting them consistently to keep the salt on the roads from rusting the bottom of my car. I’ve learned to use them as a time that feels almost meditative. It’s a very ephemeral experience that has brought me a lot of joy lately.
