January update: time to put yourself first
Happy New Year!
How are you feeling?
Hopefully you’re more rested than frazzled and finding inspiration rather than dread. (More about this below!)
I’m easing into the year with Gentle January. More being in the moment, less focus on productivity. Doing ‘No’vember last year, combined with the stormy Sydney summer, has made this the gentlest January so far.
More about creating a calm new year (don’t worry, this will set you up for the next one) in this short video.
Intentions
I ditched resolutions long ago and now wait for an intention to find me in January.
Last year, I struggled a little with 2023’s desire to find enchantment in everyday life, until ‘glimmers’ hit the news. That simple word neatly encapsulated the essence of what I was seeking.
These small moments of wonder and joy are everywhere. The little things that calm us. I notice them most often on daily walks — being amused by the rainbow lorikeets whose chatter is as loud as their plumage, coming upon an apple tree fruiting in an urban laneway or stopping to marvel at a sunset double rainbow. Ordinary but beautiful occurrences in otherwise unspectacular days.
This year it’s more of the same after realising most of these annual intentions have centred around being in the moment and mindfulness. Simply, this year’s intention is to be intentional!
This means less focus on end goals and more attention on enjoying the journey. More about where that breadcrumb leads, in the next newsletter!
Do you have any intentions for today, this week month or year?
Recipe: a refreshing summer shrub
What to do with a bag of raspberries that’s frozen into a clump? Half became ‘nicecream’, the rest was transformed into a shrub. This refreshing summer drink was perfect for seeing the new year in. It’s easy to make, low sugar and can be adapted to use your favourite summer fruit.
Give shrubs a go!
PS: going alcohol-free is the new black. Need inspiration? Here are some yummy drinks that aren’t all packed with sugar.
Put yourself first this year
Working with naturopathic clients for over 30 years, I know that life sometimes gets in the way of good intentions.
But our body has a habit of tripping us up if we don’t listen to what it needs. Symptoms are the way it tells us that something is wrong or we’re living in a way that doesn’t serve us. Pain, gut upsets, anxiety or a tricky perimenopause (to name a few) are common messages that need a course correction!
Life can be pressured and busy, and we don’t always have the precious time to stop and work it out for ourselves. That’s when working with an expert can help.
This year, for everyone’s sake, put yourself first. I work at your pace. No immutable rules. Gentle support with a minimum of herbs or supplements.
What’s holding you back?
Orazio Orazi – Siesta
Gill Stannard is one of Australia’s most experienced naturopaths and herbalists. She works online in a general practice style, and also has a special interest in menopause and cancer recovery. To book your consultation go to bookeo.com/gillstannard
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