Nothing Urgent

January 2 has always felt more honest to me than January 1. Usually though, it means returning to work. Thankfully, with today being a Friday, that isn’t the case.

The first day of the year comes with noise—fireworks, declarations, promises shouted into the dark. January 2 arrives more softly. The calendar has turned, but life hasn’t quite rushed back in yet.

I’m easing into the morning with a cup of coffee, enjoying the stillness before the day really begins. Now that Isabella is fed and has settled back into her post-breakfast routine, I’m seriously considering returning to my warm bed for a little while longer. It’s currently 0 degrees outside my window, and that feels like a perfectly reasonable plan.

I’m not feeling the need for big resolutions or sweeping declarations. Right now, this moment—quiet, warm, and unhurried—feels like enough. The year is new, but there’s no rush to sprint into it.

If anything, I’m reminding myself that beginning gently is still beginning. Rest counts. Taking things one day at a time counts. Listening to what your body and mind need—especially in the depths of winter—counts.

So if today feels slow or unremarkable, that’s okay. January 2 doesn’t demand anything heroic of us. Sometimes the best way to welcome a new year is with a warm bed, a fed cat, and the knowledge that there’s time.

I hope your year is starting in whatever way you need it to.

About Joe

Unknown's avatar
I began my life in the South and for five years lived as a closeted teacher, but am now making a new life for myself as an oral historian in New England. I think my life will work out the way it was always meant to be. That doesn't mean there won't be ups and downs; that's all part of life. It means I just have to be patient. I feel like October 7, 2015 is my new birthday. It's a beginning filled with great hope. It's a second chance to live my life…not anyone else's. My profile picture is "David and Me," 2001 painting by artist Steve Walker. It happens to be one of my favorite modern gay art pieces. View all posts by Joe

One response to “Nothing Urgent

  • noisilycool3bc9850581's avatar noisilycool3bc9850581

    Gosh, that bed has a real old-fashioned bolster rather than a pillow. How imaginative!

    The lad looks as if has much to offer to the imaginative.

Thank you for commenting. I always want to know what you have to say. However, I have a few rules: 1. Always be kind and considerate to others. 2. Do not degrade other people's way of thinking. 3. I have the right to refuse or remove any comment I deem inappropriate. 4. If you comment on a post that was published over 14 days ago, it will not post immediately. Those comments are set for moderation. If it doesn't break the above rules, it will post.