I love a fresh start. I’m a sucker for Back to School sales. New notebooks, sharpened pencils, bright folders? Yes, please! Getting organized makes me feel good. After the holidays, I put away the decorations and open my brand new planner and get to work on mapping out the year ahead (first big picture then quarter by quarter).

But the very same-ness of every day in January, following a month of almost no routine in December, grates on my nerves. By the end of the second week, I lose track of the date because forward progress of my goals is so minimal (and it’s still so dark outside).

Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate the results of consistency. Putting in a little effort day in and day out can have a big consequence! I know this!

I’m an air sign and my rising sign is another air sign, aka I thrive on chaos. I feel stifled when every day is predictable. I like being busy. Often, January is a ramping up month with not a lot happening (besides illness and kids’ events).

My only cure is getting outside. The weather hasn’t been too cold where I live (although that is now changing) making it possible to enjoy the outdoors in little spurts. I completed a 5k mid-month and am encouraged to keep up my training for a better time in an April race.

With the help of weekday morning virtual meet-ups with friends, I finished a very strong draft of my third cowboy book. I’ve also been working on short stories, a new challenge I’m enjoying. I’m setting myself up for a good writing year and that makes me happy. When I do reflect, I have had a full and successful January. But I keep looking forward, and I’m excited for what tomorrow can bring.