A Month in Review: January's Mindset

I want to start doing monthly wrap ups. I find that many people, myself in particular, are always looking forward, setting goals, running towards the next step, the next to do, the next project. And although we are usually too good at remembering our failures or faults or flaws we rarely celebrate or appreciate our big and small accomplishments that have brought us to the point of taking the next step. SO here on the blog I will be looking back and reviewing each month as it concludes to share, connect, and appreciate how I’ve chosen to build myself and my practice through the seasons. And I hope you choose to share your months in review too. 

The Stats

Instagram posts - I have fairly consistently posted on the gram this month! It has been years since I have done daily posts and I love doing the reels to just chat real quick, check in, and share whatever it is that I’m thinking or feeling. I hope these have been useful to you; I know they have been for me. For me, this piece of consistency has been grounding and affirming. It is building self trust in this space. Though I may not polish or always plan the content I end up sharing it’s really a source of connection that even if I never hear from anyone about them or on them, they reach many and can impact even one person who needed a bit of encouragement or understanding that day. 

Blog writing - Coming out of the gate strong each week has had a blog post to close it out. Though it may have been a bit of a cheat to do a three part series; sometimes when I get rolling on a topic I can’t put it down. At the same time, perhaps I may move forward theming each month around a central idea. It might help me focus and stay consistent. If you have any particular topics about creativity or the creative journey that you would like to see discussed please reach out on the blog or on instagram and let me know! 

Journaling Practice - January has been a tolerably consistent month. Though when exhaustion catches up with me or my little one needs extra snuggles I do let it fall by the way side for a night or two. Therein lies the comfort of a robust practice, of a self trust that has been built: I don’t panic when I miss a day, and neither should you. Pressure to perform can kill a habit, a practice, a lifestyle before it really gets going. Give yourself grace and time to develop a practice that fits you, and one that you can trust will always be waiting for you to return.

New Developments

Back to dance - My beloved dance teacher is back in the studio and so I too have stepped back into ballet again this season. Not only is it incredible to move my body again and give this boost to my physical wellbeing, but it lights my soul up in the most comforting way. It;s the start to the week, it sets the tone, and it is one of joy and relearning. I haven’t danced since having my son and my body is definitely different, but it can still amaze me and move and remember, and for that I love it all the more. So, although this may be a new development of returning to an old practice, it is a reminder that we can always go to our soul’s home. And I hope that some form of creativity or movement or practice refreshes you as much as dance does for me. 

My Final Thoughts

I was struck by a comment I had seen on the vastness of the internet this past month about how we try to force this kick start, this reboot at a time of year meant for biological hibernation, slowing down, status quo type living. The new year really does start at the worst time. Motivation is at an all time low, the darkness beacons for slumber, and our biology just wants to stop moving. Yet we set new goals, make grand plans, and then slip into disappointment and negativity when we can’t seem to live up to it all at once. I took the start of this year slower. With no plans to change or massively shift my habits. Instead I wanted to focus on building what I was doing more consistently, and I feel I have. This is a season of hibernation. Hibernation requires rest and replenishment in order to grow and move forward in the spring. Take this season not as an urgent reset, but as a slow and deliberate rest. Our home is maintainable and full of laughter. My creativity is consistent and grounding. My career is continuing to build. I am creating a life I love for myself and my family all because I have chosen to take the time to rest and reset in a quiet sustainable way. I have never been one to slow down before, but now, in this season of life, it is a necessity I will never take for granted again.