Why Rushing Into the New Year Isn't The Answer (And What To Do Instead)
Have you felt it yet? That subtle shift—the air just a little softer, the days a touch brighter. The earth is whispering: spring is on its way. This is the magic of Imbolc, the halfway point between winter’s stillness and spring’s awakening.
In ancient Celtic traditions, Imbolc was a time to honor the first stirrings of life. Families would light candles, tend their hearths, and prepare the earth for planting. But they didn’t rush. Before planting seeds, they cleared the soil. Before jumping into action, they paused, reflected, and set intentions.
We can carry this same wisdom into our lives today. January and February don’t have to be about hitting the ground running or setting resolutions that leave us burned out by spring. Instead, what if this season became your chance to pause, reflect, and plant seeds for the year ahead?
The Power of Reflection
Like many of you, I used to dive into New Year’s resolutions with big goals and endless to-do lists. And sure, they gave me direction, but they rarely left me feeling fulfilled. Then I discovered Danielle LaPorte’s Desire Map, and everything changed. Her idea of connecting goals to how you want to feel was a revelation, and it’s one I now share with every woman I work with. Later, Kate Northrup’s Do Less deepened my understanding of how aligning with seasonal rhythms can create ease and intention.
January and February became my time to rest, reflect, and reset. Instead of racing into the year, I began aligning my intentions with the natural rhythm of the season. It wasn’t about giving up on goals—it was about finding clarity and creating space for the life I wanted to build.
So, here’s my invitation: take a moment to pause. Light a candle, pour some tea, and ask yourself:
- What’s taking up space in my life that I no longer need?
- What truly brings me joy and purpose?
- How do I want to feel as I move forward this year?
Clear the Soil
Before planting anything new, we have to clear the soil—let go of the “weeds” that no longer serve us. Maybe it’s the constant “yes” to things that drain you. Or that voice in your head telling you you’re not doing enough.
Clearing space doesn’t have to mean big, sweeping changes. It can be as simple as taking a real lunch break instead of working through it or deciding to stop apologizing for needing rest.
For me, clearing the soil often starts with journaling about the past year:
- What worked?
- What didn't?
- What am I proud of?
Planting the Seeds
Once the soil is clear, it’s time to plant. But this isn’t about creating an overwhelming to-do list. It’s about planting intentions that align with your values and how you want to feel.
Ask yourself:
- What are my top three values right now?
- What’s one meaningful goal that reflects those values?
- What’s one small habit I can commit to that supports this goal?
Small actions—like reaching out to a loved one or spending five minutes journaling—might seem insignificant, but with care, they’ll grow into something beautiful.
What’s one small habit I can commit to that supports this goal?
Nurturing Your Growth
Once you’ve planted your intentions, the real magic happens when you nurture them. Growth takes patience, care, and consistency—just like tending a garden. It’s easy to feel discouraged when change doesn’t happen overnight, but nurturing your intentions is about showing up for yourself in small, meaningful ways every day.
In his book Sacred Powers, David Ji reminds us that “intention is simply redirecting the mind to a purpose or plan.” For me, nurturing looks like writing down my intentions where I can see them daily, celebrating small wins, and finding joy in the tiny steps forward.
It could mean setting aside five minutes in the morning to journal or taking a walk instead of scrolling on your phone. Whatever it looks like for you, find ways to honor your growth—because it’s worth it.
Your Invitation to the Spring Planting Retreat
If this resonates, I’d love for you to join me at the Spring Planting Retreat, starting February 7. Together, we’ll clear what’s no longer serving you, reflect on what truly matters, and plant meaningful intentions for the year ahead—all in a way that feels light, doable, and aligned with your values.
Click here to join us on February 7!
So, this February, let’s honor the wisdom of the season. Clear your soil. Plant your seeds. Nurture your growth. And trust that everything you’re cultivating now will bloom in its own.