This is my last newsletter for the year, and I will not be back until February.

My dream is to have the resources to take January off, and so I’m starting that now.

When I look at the earth and her seasons, I’ve come to realise that January is a time to prepare — but not in the way you may think or the way we’ve been taught to “prepare.”

January is not a time to be planting seeds and setting intentions.

It’s a time for reflection.

A time for nurture.

A time for rest.

This is what preparation truly looks like. It’s not about doing; it’s about being still.

And being still is not just about sitting and not doing anything. It can be going on solo dates, hosting a games night with friends and family, learning a new hobby, and spending time in nature.

To plant seeds, you need to prepare the soil.

You are the soil.

Like a good farmer who understands that their soil is the foundation of everything they do — their cattle, sheep, and crops depend on it. We must understand the same.

During January, the farmer will test their soil to determine its health.

Your reflection is the testing of your soil.

You’ll do this by looking over the last 12 months and seeing if they gave you what you wanted.

Did you show up for yourself in the way you needed?

Were those goals worth chasing?

Are you refusing to let go of things that no longer serve you?

The nurture comes after the reflection.

You may not like the answers to the questions you asked yourself, and so you’re to lean into grace and compassion.

Think about how you will move forward in the next year and what you’ll need to support you in that.

And then rest.

This is for your nervous system.

You need to integrate your lessons and epiphanies about yourself.

Yes, this is done in rest, not in the doing.

So I’ll say Happy New Year to those who start their new year in January. May 2026 bring you your heart’s truest desires.

And for those who, like myself, celebrate the new year in Spring… enjoy your hibernation.

Sage

For the dreamers, the seekers, the brave