Author: Susie Nelson | Owner of The Cycling Yogi
Oh January! I’m REALLY trying not to hate you, especially since we’re almost done with you. I mean, I can’t complain too much—I did spend half the month lounging in beautiful Maui. But coming back to this dreary, cold, gray mess? Tough love, my friend. UGH! I AM NOT OK! (And don’t even get me started on the lobby floor at the studio! The sight might just drive me to questionable coping mechanisms to cope with that visual trauma.)
So, what do you do when faced with this reality? Besides plotting how to convince my husband that packing up and moving to Hawaii is obviously the best idea. EVER. (because, let’s be real, that’s not exactly a practical plan), I’m not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
I might not be in the best headspace to spill my thoughts right now, but venting into my phone is oddly therapeutic (shoutout to talk-to-text!). Seeing my irrational thoughts in writing is a little cringey (DELETE, DELETE, DELETE!), but it’s a good reminder that I’m not alone in this struggle. Plus, it keeps me accountable. So, bear with me while I unpack all the feels January’s throwing at me.
One thing that helps? Revisiting my goals (remember those?). Since a Hawaiian relocation isn’t happening anytime soon, I’ve got to find a way to cope. As January wraps up, the initial buzz of New Year’s resolutions tends to fizzle out. It feels a bit like wandering through a maze blindfolded, questioning my life choices. It’s like that moment at the grocery store when I buy a bunch of veggies and then stare into my fridge, mourning the absence of Cheetos!
If you’re feeling swamped by those well-meaning but misguided resolutions, let’s take a moment to laugh at ourselves and focus on tiny steps instead. Remember, “Small steps propel you toward your goals quicker.”
Taking those small steps toward wellness is like throwing chocolate chips on your ‘yogurt’ (ok…it’s really ice cream) OR indulging in Nutella straight from the jar—it makes life a little sweeter. And don’t forget your “why”! It’s like trying to remember where you put your keys—only this time, your keys symbolize your sanity! (And for those of you who know how many times I lose my keys or my phone in a day… PREACH!)
And hey, if you’re facing challenges that seem bigger than that giant bundle of broccoli you just bought, don’t sweat it! Take a breather, go back to basics, and give yourself a pat on the back for even trying. Be nice to yourself!
Some people find success by starting with just ONE step—whether it’s swapping fries for veggies (let’s not go overboard), taking a stroll around the block, or drinking a glass of water before that third glass of wine (who actually does that?).
As you chase your goals, break them into bite-sized chunks you can celebrate along the way. Maybe commit to attending just ONE extra class this week or trying something totally new. Consider teaming up with an accountability buddy—because who doesn’t love dragging a friend into this journey? The key is to take that first step and just start. Trust me, those small actions may seem minor at first, but they’ll stack up to some serious progress over time.
And remember, not all progress is measurable. A lot of resolutions are about health—like eating more kale and busting out more push-ups. But let’s be real—we’re all just trying to feel a bit happier and less grumpy. So, embrace those non-scale victories! If you’ve had a day that doesn’t feel like a dumpster fire, that’s a win! If you’ve done something you thought was impossible, that’s a victory dance waiting to happen! And if you can look in the mirror and say, “You know what? You’re alright,” that’s a major triumph! So go on, give yourself a high-five (and maybe join a class) and keep pushing forward!
ANYWAY, back to what to do: Be grateful, think positive, blah, blah, blah. I know I should, but honestly, I just don’t want to. So here I am, trying to get back to the basics.
