01/05/2026
While the calendar changed to 2026 a few days ago, this never feels like the start of the New Year to me. Anyone else feel that way?
People make new resolutions and goals and trudge to the gym with fervor only to realize that there’s a mismatch between what they desire and their energy levels. The goals may be quite valid. But what about the timing?
We’re in the depths of winter in the northern hemisphere, the darkest and coldest weeks of the year. How much energy do we really have in January?
Anthropologically speaking, now is not the time to expend great amounts of energy. It’s time for quiet and introspection and reflection. It’s time for rest and settling and letting the energy from the Fall (and dare I say, the holidays) die down.
Rest assured, creative energy will rise again from the depths of darkness and nothingness. Energy ebbs and flows and the seasons are cyclical, though it may be a few weeks or even months before you feel inspired to tackle all those big projects for the coming year.
For me, the new year starts in February, and is more aligned with Imbolc or Chinese New Year. The early days of February mark our halfway point through winter. In the Celtic tradition, this is when we “sow our seeds” and make preparations for the spring. The days start to get a bit longer and the first signs of life (at my latitude, at least) begin to appear. I can feel my energy and my mood slowly begin to lift.
So when does the new year start for you? Is it January 1st? Is it the first day of spring, or perhaps your birthday? Or maybe it aligns with the Jewish New Year in September.
Whenever it is, honor it. It’s ok if it’s not the same as “the rest of the world’s”. It only needs to be right for you!