New Year - New You?

So, that was 2025! Here we all are at the start of another year, wondering what it will bring and the prospect of that long haul month of January in front of us.

New Year natutrally means different things to different people. For some, New Year happens at a different time and in its own special way. For many though, January signals a new start and a promise of overhaulling themselves and making themselves a better version of themselves - resolutions seems to be everywhere. But why? How did this all come about at the deepest, darkest part of winter, when it is natural to hunker down and rest? This is the tricky bit, our body is telling us one thing and some external pressure or idea is telling us something completely different.

Perhaps what might be healthier is to have a good hard look at the things that are holding us in a negative self view or are just not really feeling all that great any more. Then, rather than setting a whole list of to dos (resolutions) that require a lot of energy and added pressure, how about seeing if letting go of something, or giving up something that holds you stuck? May be giving up not asking for what you need becasue you're worried about how others will react or making sure everyone else has everything they need and running out of energy for yourself. Self-neglect is common and, believe it or not, is often behind the feeling at new year that sounds like 'I need to do something for myself!' or 'I need to be fitter!' and so on. But what if instead of trying to find the motivation to go to the gym 7 times a week on freezing cold January day, listening to yourself and ask what do I need today? It may be that you need some exercise, but feel like being at home and somewhere familiar - alternative - some stretching, Hitt or yoga at home (there's lost of great stuff out there or make-up your own routine). It may be that you need to see friends and familiar faces - alternative - arrange a meet-up somewhere pleasant and walk there at whatever pace feels needed; breath the air deeply and connect with yourself and others. Self-negelect appears in many forms - eating or drinking too much, moving too little, abandoning ourselves and our values ..... and more. So how about this new year, making a promise to pay attention to yourself and thereby, gently get rid of the habits that don't allow you to feel good about yourself and the habit of ignoring what your feelings or body is telling you.

The point here is; this time of year is a time of winter and recovery, getting ready for the longer spring and summer days. Try accepting that motivation varies and ask yourself 'what I need'. Yes, we all need to keep healthy, fit and fed etc, but how we do it is ours and knowing we are taking care of ourselves in the way that we need is enough.