For the last five years, I have approached the month of January in a much different way than I used to. Instead of feeling the need to rush into the new year or set big expectations right away, I allow January to be slower and quieter. I think of it as my inward season. A time to calm my nervous system, reset, and simply, be.
This is the month when the television is usually off, or at least on far less. I spend more time reading and journaling, lighting candles in the evenings, and enjoying warm drinks. Cozy blankets and thick socks become part of my daily routine. These small comforts are what I look forward to most during the winter months.
January naturally brings reflection for me. I find myself looking back over the past year and taking an honest inventory. I try to acknowledge what went well while also being humble about what didn’t. There is no pressure to judge or fix anything. Just awareness and learning.
Family is always at the center of this season for me.
Being together, sharing meals, having quiet conversations, and spending unhurried time with the people I love is where my heart feels most grounded. This togetherness is where I feel inspired and supported, and it reminds me of what truly matters.
The inward season is not about productivity or pushing forward. It is about slowing down, listening to what you need, and allowing rest to be part of your life. Just like nature pulls back in the winter, we are allowed to do the same.
If January feels quieter for you, or if you find yourself craving more rest and simplicity, know that it is normal. There is value in this slower pace.
This is the inward season.
And it is exactly where I choose to be.
