Some people despise January — the cold and the snow, the Christmas lights coming down and the 31 days that can seem endless after a joyful season of lights and festivities. With all these factors, it’s no surprise that it has a less-than-stellar reputation among the 12 months of the year.
But despite these negative sentiments, January still has its positives.
First, January is a new beginning. Everything that happened in the prior 12 months doesn’t matter, and one can go headstrong into a new calendar year with a new mindset. There are always new opportunities to learn and grow, and despite the fact that it’s not easy to start off in a colder, darker environment, the calendar still reads “1.” This means that it’s the first of many months to come. One can only then decide how they want to fulfill their goals and plans for the days to come with a clear mentality. January is the time to start.
Second, drawing itself farther away from the darker days of November and December, January’s sunlight lasts a little longer into the late afternoon hours. On walks home from class, I have taken sight of this. Both last semester and now, I have had classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays that have ended at 4 p.m. However, I see a difference now. When I walk down Washington Street, the sunlight is brighter. I only know that as the days go on, the light will continue to extend just a little more.
Third, January still offers us enjoyment through sports games –– particularly in the NFL. However, this year is especially different because of an extended college football season that culminates in the championship on Jan. 20. Now, many people look forward to the simultaneous schedules of both college football and the NFL, which makes this January different compared to others in the past.
Still, it’s understandable why many are dreading the month, especially since right now, these coming weeks are projected to have some of the coldest afternoons on record for some areas of the U.S. Here in Lexington, many of us aren’t used to frigid climates, so this cold will be no joke.
But this can also come with some positives. While many of us might not be able to relate, January can mean a chance to wind down and relax a little more –– with fewer organized social events and less pressure to constantly be on the go while trying to fit several different activities into our calendar. Of course, this varies from person to person, but the overall point of the month is to focus on personal goals and self-improvement — rather than trying to please others by reducing the time we take for self-care.
Ultimately, January doesn’t mean an “easy” month with nothing planned on our schedules, no stress and no anxiety for the upcoming year. The first 31 days of the year are meant to challenge us, while also giving us a chance to start fresh. So no matter what happens these coming days, remember to take a breath, clear your mind and move forward without the burdens of the year before.