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The Art of the Fresh Start

BY Tullio Orlando

January often gets a bad reputation. After the glitter of December fades, we’re left with shorter days, colder winds, and the looming pressure of "New Year, New Me."

But if we shift our perspective, January isn’t just a cold month at the start of the calendar—it’s a blank canvas. It is the collective Monday of the year, offering us a rare moment to pause, breathe, and recalibrate.

There’s a specific stillness to this month. The social calendar thins out, and the world seems to move a little slower. This "hunker down" energy is actually a gift. It’s the perfect environment for:

  • Reflection: Looking back at the previous year without the noise of holiday parties.
  • Restoration: Giving your body and mind the rest they likely bypassed in December.
  • Intention: Choosing one or two meaningful shifts rather than a long list of unsustainable resolutions.

Since January is not for the faint of heart, it usually keeps us inside. The key to enjoying it is mastering the art of coziness. In Denmark, they call this Hygge. Here’s how to lean into it:

  • The Reading List: Finally crack open that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand.
  • Warm Rituals: Whether it’s herbal tea, specialized coffee, or a slow-simmering soup, lean into flavors that feel like a hug.
  • Soft Lighting: Swap the harsh overhead lights for candles or warm lamps to combat the early sunset.

We’ve all been there: by January 15th, the gym motivation has dipped, and the kale salads feel more chore-like. Instead of rigid rules, try "The Theme Method."

Pick one word for your January (and your year). Words like Consistency, Grace, Adventure, or Space. When you face a choice, ask yourself if it fits your theme. It’s much kinder—and more effective—than a pass/fail resolution.

Consider January as the first bite of a new apple. It’s crisp, it’s fresh, and it’s full of possibility.

Don’t rush through January to get to spring. There is beauty in the frost, the quiet mornings, and the slow start. Permit yourself to transition into the new year at your own pace, and it might help you to get to this happier place.