The Gift of Retrospection: Why January Should Be a Time for Rest, Not Just Resolutions

Every year, as the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, we are told that a "New Beginning" has arrived. We are bombarded with messages to start fast, set big goals, and transform our lives instantly. But if we listen closely to our bodies and minds, many of us aren't feeling "new"—we are feeling tired.

The holiday season is truly beautiful. It is full of friendships, family, shared meals, and precious moments. Nevertheless, it is also a season of constant movement. Since late October, most of us have been in a relentless sprint. We navigate the busy preparations of Halloween, the emotional and social demands of Thanksgiving, the intensity of Christmas, and the celebrations of the New Year.

For three months, we have been giving our energy away to events, family gatherings, and social expectations. By the time January 1st actually arrives, it is completely natural to feel drained.

At the beginning of the year, we naturally feel excited, and we set goals for ourselves. However, a problem arises when we are exhausted: we lack the clarity needed to make authentic changes. Attempting to build a new life on a foundation of depletion often sets our resolutions on a path toward failure.

At Quyanza, I would like to propose a different way to experience this first month of the year. Instead of a month of "doing," let January be a month of Retrospection.

Retrospection is the act of looking back without rushing. It is a powerful tool that allows us to:

• Honor the Past Year: To see the challenges we overcame and the growth we achieved.

• Practice True Gratitude: To identify the moments of beauty we might have missed in the rush of the holidays.

• Identify the Future: To gain clarity on the life we want to create for the year ahead, rooted in truth rather than exhaustion.

When we allow ourselves to stay in touch with the year that passed, we can move toward the future with intention. Retrospection brings clarity. With clarity, we find our focus.

This January, I invite you to resist the urge to rush. Give yourself permission to rest. Take this time to reflect on your journey and your lineage. When you finally do step forward into your goals, you will do so not out of obligation, but with a heart full of gratitude and a clear, focused mind.