End of January Vibes: Aspirational vs Actual
Here's what I'm hearing lately:
People wishing that they were feeling peppy, motivated and making powerful headway with meaningful new projects and goals.
But truthfully feeling tired, 'already behind,' and a little dismayed at how much they want to veg out.
If you relate: you're not alone.
Aspirational Vibes
Actual Vibes
Many recent coaching conversations have begun with people validating their energy levels, all that's on their plate - and recalibrating their expectations of themselves.
We've been talking about how the dominant culture seems to expect us to come dashing out of the gate onto the fresh pages of January, but that we may actually feel winter's pull to snuggle up with books, sleep more, move slowly, make soups.
Especially if you've been sick, grieving, the holidays were a doozy or you're recovering from a hard season, of course you may find yourself at a low ebb.
It can be discouraging when you fantasize about shifting into fourth gear but actually find your body or your spirits demanding that you surrender to first gear - or neutral.
When we tell ourselves we're "behind," we add pressure to an already challenging moment: I hope that you can cut yourself some slack and be deeply, generously kind to yourself.
My encouragement?
Go ahead and read more novels. Set aside non-fiction until your brain feels sharper. Push deadlines out where you can. Say no. Watch shows. Flop on a couch with a cozy blanket and call a friend. Pour your heart out. Laugh. Cry. Doze. Have baths. Journal. Jot ideas down without immediately turning them into a plan. Bake.
I know it can be so hard to do less when you're already facing a backlog.
But what might be possible if you had more trust in your body and its rhythms, energies and impulses - and you let yourself rest?
What restoration could emerge?
What might unfold if you were in a replenished rather than depleted state?
Listen, it can feel so hard to slow down in a dominant culture that values speed, productivity and non-stop stimulation - stigmatizing and risky.
But I wish you the courage to honor winter's pace, wherever you feel called and able.
P.S. Want a little guidance on supporting your energy levels and capacity while also honoring your longings for change? If you’re curious about coaching, please set up a free 60-minute consult with me to explore your options. I’d love to hear from you.
Nicola Holmes is a Life Coach who helps people turn their potent questions, dreams and goals into inspired action. With warmth and wisdom, she’ll guide you to untangle constraints and cultivate courage to create a more aligned and joyful life. She has a BASc in Human Development, an MEd in Adult Learning and spent two decades working in the non-profit sector. Along with coaching for the past 15 years, she’s mama to two young spirited kids and dedicated to Buddhism. Having experienced long-Covid and a move over the past two years, she brings deep empathy to others who are exploring how they’ve changed and who they’re becoming in turbulent times. Check out Nicola @nicolaholmescoach or join the email party for inspiration and resources to fuel the changes you want.