Finding Light in a Bleak Week
Happy 2026 fellow wordsmiths!
How are you finding your bearings in these early, tender days of the new year?
January has long felt to me like taking a freezing cold shower in the dark hours of the morning. The soft glow of tree lights tucked away and replaced by stark bare walls. Paper plates with the last of the festive cheese binned in favour of sensible Tupperware. I long to be back in my cuddly pyjamas, sipping an Earl Grey, lost in a cosy Christmas whodunnit.
I know for many it’s a welcome relief after the sensory overload of the holiday season. Perhaps even an opportunity to leap into a fresh, disciplined regime as we shake off the excesses of the festive period.
Personally, I like a softer approach, a gentler way of rolling into a fresh new year. I need things to look forward to. I need joy. I also need rest after a Christmas that turned out to be much more stressful and harried than I’d even anticipated.
‘Light’ is my word of the year.
Lighten up and have fun. Travel light instead of overcomplicating things. Most importantly, though, find the light.
For me, this means:
· Celebrating the full moon 🥮in Cancer on January 3rd ♋. I’m taking a few moments to moon gaze and enjoy the moon’s brilliance.
· Little delights. Instead of punitive diets, I’m going to pack up some leftovers🧀 from the wrapped cheeses and have a little ‘cheese and biscuits’ lunch at my desk on Monday.
· Light ahead✨. I need something to look forward to, so I’m planning a Traitors dinner party based on the game I enjoyed on Christmas Day.
· Lighten my load. I’m looking for shortcuts this week to leave more space for rest. Where can I have a simple tea, delegate or drop a task altogether?
· Tea lights and fairy lights🕯️. Who says we can’t have a magical twinkly glow in January? I’m dotting them all around for an uplifting, peaceful glow.
· Light schedule. I’m keeping my calendar as free as possible to leave space to follow whims🧖♀️.
· Light walks. Where I can, I’m bringing back in some sunlight and getting outdoors for a crisp, wintery walk❄️.
And so, my friend, whether you’re loving the freshness of January or, like me, finding it somewhat jarring, I am wishing you light this week.
Mini Journalling Prompt:
Where can you find the light this week🌟?
Have a luminous week💫!
Carolyn xx
