Looking ahead already?

I saw a post on Instagram yesterday that bothered me.


(Even though I'm not active on socials these days, sometimes I still lurk.)


The post said something along the lines of how December is the month to start preparing for the year ahead...that December 1st means it's time to be thinking about 2023.


And while I don't think this is 100% unhelpful (there are, after all, supportive ways to plan ahead that aren't panicky or full of pressure—for instance, check out these lovely offers from my friend Dana!)...


...my first thought in reaction to this particular IG post was "My god, can we not just fucking rest?!"


Because although there can be some really beautiful future visioning that happens as the year comes to a close, I think we can often be pressured to jump too far, too fast.


And then we completely miss out on being present.


On savoring what is.


On going inward and hibernating like a goddamn grizzly bear and just...being.


December already tends to hold so much pressure and busyness, and of course we all know how early the obnoxious "new year, new you" messages start 


Are we seriously supposed to hit December 1st and immediately have our sole focus be on what 2023 should look like?


I don't know about you, but to me, that feels exhausting. 


This month holds so many gifts...the lessening of the light, the winter solstice, the cold and slowness and inner lanterns that shine brightly as we rest and nurture ourselves and our chosen family. 


And I want to be able to be fully present with what this month can teach me without having to mentally already be in the next calendar year.


Now, to be clear, if it sits well in your body to use this month to future vision for 2023, great! 


But for those who maybe are already starting to feel the looming pressure of 2023, and really just prefer to brown-bear their way through a blustery, cozy, nourishing, candle-lit December...


...I assure you, that is just as valid of a way to honor this time of year.
 


(Plus, time is a construct and going from December 31st to January 1st is...just another 24 hours, just like all the rest of them.)