Why I Choose Rest Over Resolutions

Today, right now, your most important job is to fill your cup back up after months of filling everyone else’s

I just sat there, halfway through my workout at 5:00 a.m., and wondered if this was actually good for me. After a few weeks of waking up early, eating nothing but fruits, vegetables, and lean meat, I began to realize that every day was harder than the one before. This is what I’m supposed to do, I thought. That’s what people do in January. Push harder.

But as I stared at myself in the mirror, exhausted, I knew it wasn’t from the cardio. It was that I was doing January all wrong.

The December before was particularly grueling. I worked what felt like non-stop to finish year-end reporting. Christmas was hard, as it always seems to be, from traveling to financial burdens. I was spent. So, I wondered, why, after a whole month of "December-ing," was I pushing so hard?

Quickly, I shifted into another gear. I wasn’t going to do January the way they told me to anymore. They can have their detoxes, cleanses, and resolutions. While they go hard, I go gentle. I made myself tea every night. Turned off my first alarm. Kept a jar of melatonin on my nightstand next to a fresh pot of roses. I re-watched Downton Abbey and burned my favorite candle all weekend. I still ate well but didn’t count calories. I organized cabinets—just slowly. I only spent money on little treats like my favorite coffee and read a good book.

I can honestly say it healed me.

So, every year since then, I observe Gentle January. It’s different for everyone, but one thing is the same: go gentle on yourself. You made it through one of the busiest months of the year. The decorating, the commitments, the family stress of it all—January is a time to take a deep, healing breath in.

And it makes sense, doesn’t it? The earth is frozen and barren. The trees lose their leaves, the bulbs go dormant, the days are short, and the animals hibernate. We were always meant to do the same.

It’s a good question to ask: is it really seasonal depression, or am I trying to make my January self be my July self?

If this is your first Gentle January, or if you’re just learning of the concept now, here are my best tips. Every single worry can be worried about later. Every single resolution can be started in February. Today, right now, your most important job is to fill your cup back up after months of filling everyone else’s. The trick is that you have to find out what that means for you. Is it taking a walk with a friend? Is it hiding out in your house all month? Is it focusing on your crafts? Whatever it is, it has to fill you up.

This January, I’ll admit, I haven’t been doing that at all. A flu that turned into a sinus infection had me scrambling to get caught back up in the first few weeks of the year. But now, it’s time to go gentle. I saved a lemon candle for this occasion. I’m deep into working on a very important Thomas Kinkade Diamond art. I have a book I’ve pre-ordered for release at the end of the month. I’m re-organizing my office. I’ve bought only pre-made meal

s or groceries for quick dinners. I filled up a few jars with pink roses and baby’s breath. I re-stocked my favorite tea. I’m ready to slip back into a deep, Karlee-like hibernation.

So, in case no one has told you yet, you have permission to rest. You have a month ahead of you to fill with all your favorite things. Lean into January the way it was always meant to be. And, for the love of God, go gentle.