Welcome to Cozy January
It’s a new year, folks, and like usual, it feels like I’m surrounded by messaging to do more, set wild goals, and get after it.
But can I tell you something? I’m a little tired.
And cold. And recovering from my annual January sickness. And as much as I love a to-do list, I’m much more in the mood to stop, rest, and reset. Therefore, I have dubbed this month “cozy January.”
What is cozy January, you may ask? Cozy January entails spending a lot of time reading, having deep and good conversations with people I love, going on long snowy walks, and then curling up by the fire to warm up. I’ve been deeply inspired by the Danish concept of “hygge” – basically a celebration of coziness to make it through the chilly winter months.
It feels revolutionary to me, actually, this idea of slowing down right now instead of speeding into the new year. But I’ve been praying and thinking a lot about God’s timing and how He’s designed the world and the seasons so intentionally. There’s a time for sprouting new life, a time for basking in the sun’s warm glow, a time for the leaves to change and die, and a time for the world to be dark, cold, and still. This year, I want to live in these seasons with a little more intention.
The sun sets at 5:55 pm right now, which means that *it’s okay* to come home and rest on the couch, make a big pot of soup, and read a book because it’s already dark out there. It’s okay to go to bed early. It’s okay to not push ourselves to run around and do it all. More than anything, it’s reminded me that I am exactly where I need to be – that this season is not unplanned or unnecessary, that God is working in the here and now.
The greatest grace from my choice to slow down this month has been the s p a c e it has created for me to really be present to the people and things that are important to me. Oh, and I was BORED for the first time in months this weekend. How fun!! My best ideas come when I’m bored.
I don’t know where you’re at this month or how you’re feeling, but I invite you to try a little Cozy January if it works for you. Truly, it’s been so good so far and I’m very cozy and content.
Do you have any favorite cozy activities? Please reply and let me know!
By waiting and by calm you shall be saved,
in quiet and in trust shall be your strength.
// Isaiah 30:15
In Christ,
Jane
What I’m loving lately:
24 hrs in NYC!
I took the most delightful quick trip up to NYC last week and it was a JOY to see some good friends and run around my old home for a few hours. It was a great reminder that it’s not too far away and that a whirlwind trip (literally I arrived 5p Thursday and left 2p Friday) can still be filled with so much goodness!
Loveddd this podcast from one of my favorite podcasters, Emily P. Freeman (sharing her two weeks in a row!)!! She’s the best. This one is so good, and I made my lists from this on Saturday and loved it.
My favorite YouTuber made a great video
I love Caroline and thought this video was so so good – a great reframe around New Year’s Resolutions! Can you see a little pattern here w Cozy, gentle, hygge January hahaha
My heart is breaking for the devastation in Los Angeles. This video made me cry – a family singing the Regina Caeli in the rubble of their home, where only a St. Joseph and Our Lady of Guadalupe statue were left standing. Praying for all those affected and for those fighting so valiantly to put out the fires.
Prayer requests
For everyone in Southern California, especially those who have been displaced and lost their homes