Finding Your Footing as the Year Begins
The start of the year often brings a subtle shift.
Without the pace of the holidays, there can be a bit more space to notice where you are - what feels settled, what feels uncertain, and what seems to be asking for more care or attention. There isn’t one way January is meant to feel.
You may notice that this time of year doesn’t feel like a fresh start so much as a moment of orientation. Less about making plans, and more about quietly taking stock of what feels true right now.
What “finding your footing” means
Finding your footing doesn’t mean having clarity, answers, or a direction mapped out.
It’s about feeling more grounded first - getting a sense of where you are before deciding where to go. This is often the part people move past quickly. Insight can come easily; the energy to follow through often takes longer to arrive.
Finding your footing might show up as noticing:
how everyday interactions leave you more tired than they used to
moments where your patience runs thinner, especially with family or at work
a familiar pressure to keep meeting expectations - particularly your own
These aren’t problems you need to fix. They’re signals worth paying attention to.
Coming back to yourself
When things feel unclear or energy feels limited, thinking harder usually doesn’t help. What often brings more grounding is reconnecting with the body in simple, everyday ways.
This doesn’t need to be formal or intentional. It might look like:
noticing the weight of your body in the chair, or your feet on the floor
letting your breath settle on its own, without trying to change it
stepping away from noise or stimulation for a few minutes
These moments don’t create answers - but they can bring a sense of relief, making it easier to be with whatever you’re navigating.
A few questions to reflect on
If it feels helpful to reflect right now, you might ask yourself:
What feels heavier or more tiring for me than it used to?
Where do I notice myself feeling even a little more grounded?
What do I need right now?
There’s no need to come to conclusions or make decisions. Simply noticing can be enough.
Where this shows up
What becomes more visible at this time of year doesn’t stay contained in one area of life. It often shows up in relationships, family dynamics, and at work — anywhere you’ve been stretching yourself or holding a lot for a long time.
When energy is lower or tolerance is thinner, it doesn’t mean something is wrong. More often, it’s a sign that something needs attention. When people feel more grounded, conversations tend to be clearer, boundaries easier to hold, and responses less reactive.
This matters both in our personal lives and in the wider contexts we’re part of.
An invitation
January can be a meaningful time to reach out.
If you’re noticing patterns you don’t want to keep carrying in the same way, or if something feels ready to be held differently, having space to talk and reflect can make a difference.
I offer individual and couples therapy, mindfulness-based work, and work with organizations around stress, capacity, and the realities of leading and working under ongoing pressure - with a focus on helping people think more clearly, relate more effectively, and respond with greater intention.
You don’t need to have anything figured out. Starting where you are is enough.
You’re welcome to stay connected.
I share one reflection each month - grounded, thoughtful writing and simple practices for navigating life with more clarity, self-trust, and care.
