29/12/2025
For the last few years, I have noticed that I don’t feel a strong urge to start new things at the beginning of the year. If I look around me in nature, I can understand why!
We are just a week into winter, and it’s cold. In places with four seasons, most of the trees are completely bare! It’s a time for deepening root structures and gathering energy.
When does new growth begin? In the springtime– not the dead of winter! I still like to mark the beginning of the new year, and to take advantage. I just do things a little differently.
Here are some steps that I like to take at this time of year:
1. Taking a cue from the trees who have dropped their leaves, I use the week between Christmas and January to get rid of the things that are uselessly taking up space, creating clutter, or connected with a sense of guilt or obligation. Sometimes, when I don’t know what I want, or what to do next, simply clearing physical or visual space really helps. You can use the whole month of January to do some clearing out. It’s definitely not too late!
2. I do extra cleaning to welcome in the New Year. I may not be ready for lots of new goals and activities, but I do want a fresh start. In addition to clearing last year’s dust, I think about what else I would like to leave behind (see questions below). Again, making space for something new to grow.
3. I take time to think and review, and call in a higher vision for my life. The season of winter is a naturally reflective time of year. We are indoors more, there are less planned activities, and watching a fire in the fireplace or a candle burning is naturally meditative.
It’s such a great time for planning.
For the gardeners out there, this makes perfect sense! It would be insane to think,
“In the new year, I want a lot of tomatoes! Let’s plant a lot of tomatoes in January, to get a head start!” Of course the seeds would barely even germinate, and any little sprouts would die.
No, this is a wonderful time to do careful planning for our gardens, to tidy up our beds, clear debris, put down mulch to nourish our soil, order seeds, etc. When the natural growing season rolls around, everything is ready.
Part of embracing the reflective character of the cold season is reviewing the year that has passed, and letting new information surface for you from a deeper inner knowing.
This year, I was guided by some questions from Sabrina Lynn of Rewilding. Here are some that I have been working with. You don’t have to do them all, just choose 3-4 that feel right.
✨Questions for Soul-Level Reflection✨
What is already complete? (Even if part of me is still attached.)
Where did my energy grow this year (even through discomfort)?
What am I no longer willing to pretend about myself? (LOVE this question!)
Where did my body say YES? Where did it quietly say NO? (Another favorite.)
Who or what feels like home now? And who/ what feels like a past address?
What wants to be simplified?
What pace does my soul actually want in the coming year?
What am I quietly devoted to becoming, even if I don’t talk about it yet? (Chills.)
4. I often like to choose a theme word for the year to embody. When I am getting bogged down, I go back to that word, and ask myself if there’s a way to tap into that.
It’s often such a cool experience to reflect back on how that word came into play as I review the year. Sometimes I have forgotten what it even was, but then it all clicks into place!
I encourage you to tap into the natural energy of this time of year. It’s so valuable for adding shape and depth to the months ahead. The change of year should not bring guilt, self-loathing, or an intense sense of obligation. Let it guide you into a deeper, more dynamic and meaningful life.