January. We are told that we need to run at full speed as soon as January 1 hits. Be better. Read more. Lose weight. Get organized.

 

But that’s just the commercialization of January 1.

 

Businesses want you to work harder (as if you could!). Buy an exercise bike or a gym membership. Eat this and do that.

 

But let’s take a minute to think about January.

 

The month was named after the Roman god Janus, the god of beginnings, transitions, doorways, and endings, famously depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions, symbolizing his ability to see past and future, entrances and exits.

 

We invite you to be a little like Janus.

 

Take time to pause. Reflect on the year behind you. Gently open your mind to the possibilities ahead.

 

Notice what you are leaving, what you are carrying forward, and what you may be ready to set down.

 

If your goals for this year include the bold, exciting work of self-improvement — wonderful. If you feel ready to hit the ground running — excellent. And if what you need right now is stillness, that is just as worthy.

 

January doesn’t have to be a sprint. It can be a doorway. Your doorway. Your way.