February 1st (erin jean warde)
I’m going to begin again; I’m going to accept the offer I get with every new day. Maybe you can, too.
February 1st
I’m really, really good at putting pressure on myself at the beginning of the new year. I always say I am not a resolutions person, because I am not.
But I’d be lying if I didn’t say I crave the restart, yearning for some newness. Maybe a change in habit. Maybe a newfound interest in things that actually reaches its fruition, instead of becoming another rambling of my ADHD riddled mind.
However, 2024 didn’t start with my brain craving newness. I had a few intentional days, then busyness, then a snowstorm that left me stuck in my home. Today, we’re getting rain to wash away some of the ice.
For the past few weeks, I couldn’t even name it, but I felt like a failure for not “starting the year well.” Instead of wallowing in it, I had a thought — Who says January 1st is supposed to be the restart?
So, I changed my new year’s. My new year’s is February 1st. It’s my birth month, so it really is my life’s new year. Instead of sitting in feelings of failure and shame, I’m choosing a new start — I’m choosing to move forward with my intentions, rather than letting that feeling of being behind already in the new year hold me captive.
I don’t know how you started the year. Maybe all your intentions are panning out perfectly (except that our intentions rarely go perfectly). Or maybe you’re like me, yearning for an almighty do over. Well, maybe it’s time to give yourself the restart, instead of hoping arbitrary forces outside of you will dictate your renewal. Maybe it’s time to remember the gift of each new day, and claim any day you’re alive as a day when you can begin again.
Next week, I’m taking a 4 day weekend to begin again. I’m going to celebrate my birthday early (since I’m traveling for work on the day of). I’m going to have a clean house. I’m going to do some visioning. I’m going to ask big questions that don’t have answers. I’m going to find some practices that will nourish me in mind, body, and soul.
I’m going to begin again; I’m going to accept the offer I get with every new day. Maybe you can, too.
Love y’all,
EJW
Spiritual Healing with Joy and Purpose — February 10, 2024 (St. James & the Urban Well — Lancaster, PA)
I’m so excited to return to Saint James & the Urban Well — I visited last year and love these sweet people!
This Saturday retreat will bring a fresh focus on recovery and healing accessed through prayer and rest. It will address issues we all face at times: feeling weighed down or discouraged, anxiety, despair, and even depression which can lead to unhealthy habits and choices. The day will explore attitudes and barriers to accessing joy and the power of meditation, prayer and other contemplative practices in our own healing.
This is available in person and on Zoom! Sign up today!