How are you finding January?
After all of the Christmas bustle, everything suddenly goes quieter and more routine. Back to normal, with our supposedly improved selves… With winter cold and dark mornings and no twinkly lights or Christmas parties to look forward to… Many of us already failing with our new year resolutions…
How are you finding January? Does it ever get you down?
Suddenly, the bright Christmas decorations feel like they never existed. Everything is blank and empty, cold and dark. Back to normal, with life’s everyday challenges.
I’ve been finding myself a anxious lately, overthinking and living in fear about little things. And finding things a bit sad after the joy and excitement of Christmas. So I thought I’d share some helpful thoughts.
I’m learning that I need to remember baby steps. January can come with a lot of pressure, of fresh starts and new resolutions and high standards… and then we are hit with the reality of our own sin and failure, the everyday challenges of reality, the early mornings and everyday struggles… And I’m learning that I need to cling to GOD’S GRACE for January’s failures and challenges (you can find out more about how to experience His grace through Jesus here).
In all the pressure to have perfect routines and systems, I need to remember the things that can help with anxiety, like prayer, staying close to God’s Word and soaking in it, getting enough sleep, dipping into resources that help, getting exercise and sunshine where I can, and reaching out to friends.
Maybe a few sensible habits that help me stay in a good place are wiser than a whole load of impossible new resolutions!
I’m super thankful for praying friends. And it’s ok to reach out to them and ask for help! And to connect with them, to encourage each other.
And I’m learning that joy in everyday little things is a gift. Reading stories, watching things that encourage me, little joys and celebrations… and remembering to be grateful. I have a friend who decorates her house for every season. When one set of decorations come down, the next set of decorations go up! What an idea for bringing joy to the empty spaces after Christmas!
Nature is a gift. And the signs of springs are there if we look for them. I went for a walk today, and the snowdrops are coming out in abundance! You can find them if you look for them. The birds are singing in the mornings! Spring is on the way.
I need to give myself grace. I’m readjusting back into routine after a break, and that can be a process, especially when old struggles are triggered. But I know that He is always there to help all who come to Him through Jesus.
I’m learning that the One Who came in the manger is Emmanuel, God with us, not just for Christmas but for always, for all those who come to Him as Saviour and Lord. And He is with me in January, too.
What tips have you learned about finding joy on winter days?
For more words of hope, you can get a free copy of ‘Your Love Says Come’, an encouraging ebook for the Girl Who Longs to Know She is Loved.
Caroline Abblitt 