The last time I checked, it was indeed, still January. The seemingly endless, dank, dour month, when we are encouraged to embrace all those new years resolutions that seemed such a good idea before the clock struck twelve. Meditate at 5am, Matcha green tea at ten past, switch to decaf, couch to 5k before breakfast (kale shake and a handful of nuts) no screens after 8pm, live more mindfully, ward off perimenopausal anger by popping edamame beans in your lunch break, drizzle everything in the new sweet chilli ( hot honey dressing- do keep up! ) and if you haven’t got anxiety about getting 8 hours shut eye every night, then you need to hop on that metaphorical band wagon too. (who knows, it might improve your REM sleep)
I make light of this. But the cacophony of messages is deafening.
I propose an alternative approach.
Expect no change. If we limp through, grabbing moments of sunlight on our faces, hunkering down in the dark evenings by lamp light with a Jenga tower of good books, whizzing up nourishing soup and seeking out gentle friends with whom to wrap cold fingers around mugs of steaming tea after a bracing walk, then I think we will arrive in more temperate months graciously. Look to nature for our cues- nature is quiet in January.
Which brings me on to my next suggestion, just look across the room at those eyes regarding you faithfully -seek out the company of a lady’s best friend: the dog.
Not had time to meditate? Watch the boundless delight of a dog skitting through frosty grass, greeting you daily with tail spins and fanfare at the door despite a cross face alighting the front step because you have had one pig of a day. Dogs epitomize the mantra of living in the moment. Try that, and if it feels clunky, keep trying that until it becomes a habit. (that’s 66 days if you believe the self-help literature.)
Pour that Yorkshire Brew…. (other brands are available but why would you?) Let is steep and watch the steam unfurl whilst you listen to the dawn chorus…. then lace up your boots and get outside! Walk 5k if running is not your leaning. Dogs give a daily purpose to get out, whatever the weather. You’ll deserve the edamame beans, the hot honey sauce and you’ll probably sleep better. Dogs don’t care if your symptoms are menopausal or just that you are a struggling human, they will still look at you with unwavering loyalty. “At the end of the day, when all’s said and done,” as Nessa would say, is there any sight more of a delight than the beatific expression of a whippet stretched out on the settee?
Failing that, if it’s a cat you have in your life, look to the cat. They take a particularly reassuring attitude to the trials and tribulations of January. They will always wear an expression of total disgust or indifference, however you show up.
As you were.
