Y’all. January has been brutal.
This year I was pumped for the new year. I started planning early. Ordered my new Simplified Planner. Bought my Powersheets. Downloaded the materials for the Read Aloud Revival Challenge to do with EG. Chose my “One Word.” Thought about books I wanted to read. And wrote out a menu to start Whole30.
I planned to start my new years on January 3rd because we had a big football game (i.e. the Rose Bowl where our beloved Georgia Bulldogs were playing) on the 1st, and John’s birthday is on January 2nd.
Then I got sick. And I never get sick. If there’s one area God has blessed me it’s good health.
It started promptly on January 1st.
The night of the 1st we were at a friend’s house watching the game, and I started to not feel right. By the next day I couldn’t get out of bed. But I had no symptoms, really. No cough, no fever, no congestion. I was just so tired and nauseated.
So I went to the doctor, and I had walking pneumonia. With no cough, imagine that. I’ve never had pneumonia in my life.
After a week I was better, but it took even longer to get my energy back. Then I got sick again. We all got sick – with the flu! Yes, we all got the flu shot. I’ve never had the flu before either.
All those plans I made to start the year strong went into the trash can. I had forgotten how much I take my health for granted. And I found myself praying for those with chronic illness.
Not to mention being sick and being a mom. That’s a whole other ballgame. If I could lay in the bed all day and night, things might be better. But no. When you’re a mom of littles you still have to keep them alive, too. It’s the hardest thing ever.
When I finally got better I thought, “Why do I do this to myself?” Why do any of us? We’re in the middle of the holidays – October to December – trying to also plan a year that will be the best year ever, make us the best person ever, and help us to accomplish more than we have ever.
At that point I decided that I will not start the new year on January 1st again. As much as I love the hype and buy into all of it, I drive myself crazy trying to plan my perfect life while also trying to watch as many Hallmark Christmas movies as I can and eat Christmas cookies for every meal.
Ironically, I chose the word “small” as my One Word for 2018. God forced me to start the year small.
I think next year I’ll enjoy the last quarter of the year. Instead of planning on the year to come, I’ll enjoy the one I have, and watch as many movies and eat as many cookies as I can. Then, come January 1st I’ll start planning for the new year.
My new New Year’s Day will be February 1st.
I hope your new year is off to a great start! And if it hasn’t “started” yet, good for you! I’ll be with you next year! 😉
This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase to these companies, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure statement here.
Leave a Reply