January is an invitation.
I don’t know if you’re the kind of person who reflects on what worked well in the previous year, which rhythms and rituals you’d like to continue or modify. Being too much in your head can be exhausting, but I have to come realize that I actually benefit from taking a step back once in a while to observe what I do and why I do things.
Do I live the life I want or does life just happen to me?
As this new year begins, I sit down and reflect on the patterns that make up my life: Which relationships surround me?
Which routines do I do every day?
Which activities do I slip into when I want to unwind?
This year I want to observe what I pay attention to.
How do I spend my time and thoughts?
Which emotions come and go, which impact do they have on me?
I realize that I tend to escape into social media scrolls when I just hope for some distracting entertainment and it usually leaves me empty afterwards. Reading a book is much more uplifting.
I realize that I want to connect more with people, so scheduling intentional community time with others might be a good next step.
I realize that my job is really busy and keeps me on track, but it also enables me to learn and discover so much.
My life is made up of so many different patterns and colors – together, they make up the blanket that holds my stories and keeps me warm in colder times. And the more I realize, the more grateful I become for this wild, wonder-ful life I’ve been given to explore.
Writing for Five Minute Friday today.
It’s been a while, but I’m glad to revisit this beloved rhythm.
thisiskatha.com 
Beautiful post, Katha. It resonated with me as well.
“Do I live the life I want or does life just happen to me?”–a good question.
Thank you!
I’m trying to break that media scroll habit. Just leaves a person feeling annoyed sometimes… such a waste of time with no good end result. A book would be better indeed! FMF22
Good luck with that goal!
This resonates with me. I am often an overthinker, but at the start of a new year I think a bit of thought is necessary. It’s been a while for me here too, but jumped in today even though the word didn’t immediately make me want to grab my pen. Happy new year!
Yes, I’m a thinker as well and it does have its benefits. Nevertheless, the line between thinking and overthinking is quite thin…
It is so true that our lives are formed by different patterns, or circumstances. May we surrender each to our Father who knows the journey He is taking on. Many blessings on the coming year ahead!
Thanks, Joanne!
It’s so good to see you again, Katha!
I used to be intentional,
I used to have a master plan,
but that time’s past and so I shall
just bear up and play the man,
for there’s nothing else to do,
and nothing else seems right
when no dreams can yet come true
against this early fall of night,
but that’s ok, yeah, alles gut,
or as the Japanese say, Yosh!,
in Oz it’s bonza or a beaut,
and it all comes out in the wash,
for in the dark, truth I beheld
is that life’s not to be schemed, but felt.
Thanks, Andrew! Your poetic responses never grow old! 🙂