January Survival Guide
- Viola Ivanovic
- Jan 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 23
I have always felt a little bit of envy towards people who's Christmas is in December.
Orthodox Christians celebrate their Christmas on January 7th, so after the New Year's Day. Our holiday season, also, lasts all the way to January 14th when we celebrate New Year again according to the "old calendar".
Don't get me wrong, I love our holidays. They all are related to many beautiful stories from the Bible and their meaning couldn't possibly be expressed in one article. For me and my family it's a time spent together, laughing, cooking, having fun and going to church.
Now here is the thing that has bothered me a little bit over the years - I was never able to start the new year with full force. I have always been torn in between wanting to start to work on my goals because that desire that only a new start can give you was burning in me, and simply spending time with my family enjoying in small things like cooking with my mum or watching movies with the whole family.
This year, I have fought the same feeling. But this year, one idea came to my mind. What if I used January to clean up last year and have a warm up month?
What if we all used January to set intentions for the next year, to think about what we really want from the next year?
Here are few things I suggest doing.
1. Clean out and clear out everything you feel is bothering you in your life. I have a closet filled with clothes that I don't really wear. They are all cute, some of them are memories and gifts, but January's fresh vibe will push me and you and make it easier to get rid of all of those outfits that we might wear, but never end up doing. I want to get up and easily get ready for work. I want to love and enjoy wearing each piece that I have.
You can also gift or sell your books. The library close to my home has a deal that allows you to get a free membership if you gift books.
Go through your laptop and phone and delete all of the unnecessary screenshots and other pictures that are not memories.
Clear everything out!
2. Plan the next year - Take a piece of paper or my template and write something for each of the months that you want.
Think about what would make you happy in April, for example and set it as a goal. These things can be very small or big. It's your choice. But, have something that you look forward to. I have set myself for January to pass a specific course related to my work so this one is a bit more serious. For September I have planned to take a pottery class and make my own mug. You choose yours.
3. Cut out people who are not good for your life.
This one may be a bit harsh, but this is your life and we only have one shot at it. Decide to move away or at least spend far less time with all of the people who are draining your energy.
I even write all of my relationships on a blank piece of paper and then seriously think about them and ask myself a question - Is this person making me happy?
If they're not, it's time to move on. I am fine with my circle being small but filled with high quality people. If there is anyone whose energy is hot and cold, inconsistent, where there is only you trying, you have every right to cut it out.
My paper usually has three groups.
In the first group I put people whom I absolutely love and want to keep developing the relationship with. This group should be easy to write. If you find it difficult putting someone in this group, then they shouldn't be there. These are your favorite people.
The second group is for the people who I know are not good for me and with whom I definitely want to stop spending time with. Most of the time, people are not bad, you just don't fit. And that's okay. It's just time to let it all go.
The third group is the group of people you are not sure about.
But, here is a catch. If in the first three months of the new year you don't feel the need or want to spend time with them, they're going to be transferred into the second group. If you only reach out and they never do for these first three months, they're going to be transferred into the second group. By the end of March you will be able to decide.
Don't feel guilty about this last task. It may be a bit difficult and confusing at first, but it will do you very good, I promise. I am a person who really loves to work, travel and a person who enjoys in her hobbies, just like this one - writing. In order to be able to do all of this, my time cannot be wasted.
If your relationships are a mess, that's a lot of wasted time.
And life always surprises us. Maybe someone whom you decided to cut off, life puts on your path and you realize that you actually do fit. The point of this exercise is simply not to force anything. Spend time with people warm to your heart.
Happy New Years and Merry Christmas!
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