Happy 2023, my friend!
I hope the past 10 days have been good to you. That you’ve found some moments to laugh, to connect, to reflect, and to just be. And that you moved through them in just the way that you wanted and needed.
I’ve been here, in these mystical, liminal days between Christmas Eve and Epiphany (the 12th day of Christmas), finding myself feeling and reflecting so much. My energy has slowed to almost a standstill. But, deep in my soul there is quiet, mysterious movement. And I’ve been basking in it all. Really, really soaking it in.
As the calendar year turned, I found my thoughts moving from the release of the old year and moving towards trying to describe how I am feeling about January, winter, and 2023. Many people are setting goals and intentions, making plans and writing lists. I’m over here journaling my thoughts with random words, reading a few books, scrolling through lovely Instagram posts, and sharing long talks with my love. But, honestly feeling a bit of anxiety about “figuring out” what I want this year to be.
Years ago, I used to choose a word for the year. I also spent many years making resolutions + goals, only to let that shift into creating intentions for the upcoming year. But, none of that feels right to me anymore. I don’t want to do anything right now. I just want to continue to listen and feel and let that unseen energy continue to move in my soul.
To be honest, the idea of starting over and busting into a new year with tons of new energy doesn’t follow the natural rhythms of life. This is winter. Hibernation season. A mystical, intuitive, inward, restful season. And it may seem like nothing is happening, but the winter makes the rest of the growth of the year possible. Deep under the earth, there is much rest, regeneration, restoration, and growth happening. All of nature has slowed down. I even heard in a podcast the other day that dragonflies hibernate and sleep deep under ponds.
As part of nature, we are also pulled downward toward the earth. Our own rhythms and energy slows. And to suddenly on January 1st expect to burst forth into a new calendar year with tons of energy and activity goes against our deepest, most organic nature.
So, instead of choosing a word, or writing out resolutions, or creating a list of goals for the year ahead, or creating a vision board, or even setting intentions… I am doubling down on winter. And staying present right here in this season.
The only thing that I know right now about 2023 is that I am all in*.
I am here to indulge in everyday life. To live a year filled with celebration and contemplation. Of feasting and fasting. Of enjoying both the holy days + the ordinary days.
I want to get lost in all of the moments. I am here for deeper work + deeper play. Ready for a deep, luxurious, soft, nourishing, gentle way of being. I want to be tucked away in cozy spots, drinking coffee + wine, enthralled in a book or engulfed in a conversation. I want to be writing, reading, creating. I want to get carried away by it all. Art, food, music, people, love, emotions. I want to be vulnerable, gentle, creative, present, bold.
I want to practice an earthy mysticism. Living a seasonal, artsy, nurturing life of homemaking. Marking the days and the months one at a time, but sinking deeply into them. Never longing for what comes next, but fully present wherever I am and with whomever I find myself.
For now, though, January has ushered in a new calendar year. And I am deep into winter. So, I am just going to continue to sit with my thoughts and dreams and this silent, mysterious season. Trusting that my ideas and intentions will continue to unfold as I move and live with nature.
And with every day the light is growing. The days are becoming longer, one little minute at a time. Up here in the Nordic city where I live, the days were 6.5 hours long on January 1. By the last day of January, the days will be 8 hours long, gaining a whole hour and a half of sunlight/daylight this month. So much is happening. And we often miss it because we are not paying attention. So, I am staying slow this month so that I can be a part of this magical unfolding. I am allowing my life, my actions, my mindset, my 2023 to unfold in the same way. Quietly, mindfully, naturally. And trusting that all things will come to pass in their own time.
All I know is that right now winter is here… January has arrived… and I am all in. Tucked into my own soft hibernation mode, as I go gently about my everyday life filled with activity and responsibility.
How does January feel to you? How does this new year feel? Do you have any wishes or plans or intentions? If you do, please share them with me below in the comments. I’d love to send you positive energy and love as you make them real. If not, then that’s just wonderful too. Join me in dropping deep into January’s mood and just listen to your soul.
I am sending you love, dear soul, as you welcome in 2023. I’ll catch up with you very soon.
xoxo. liz.
*I began December by declaring that I was all in. Turns out, this is totally the vibe I seem to be drawn to as January 2023 begins as well: