Now that we’re well into January, many of us find it a welcome relief. Typically, this month carries a negative reputation. There are solid reasons for this. With the holiday season behind us, we often feel drained of both joy and funds, and January tends to stretch on endlessly, seemingly devoid of a paycheck. Furthermore, the harsh winter weather often peaks during this month, as if it arrives as a belated gift from a spiteful friend.
To make matters worse, any unfortunate news that surfaces in early January feels disproportionately significant, as if it is casting a shadow over the months ahead. Bad news during this time can easily seem like a foreboding sign for the year to come. After all, we entered the new year with hopes of a clean slate, only to be confronted with this. Well done, humanity. January doesn’t just feel cold and isolating; it can also feel dreadfully ominous.
The most challenging aspect of January, however, is the way it forces us to confront our shortcomings. Many of us set New Year’s resolutions, and by now, many of those aspirations have already been abandoned. This only serves to highlight our perceived failures as we embark on another year. It feels as if our attempts at self-betterment have fallen flat.
However, there is one practice I make it a point to engage in every January that never fails to enhance both the month and the year. It takes just two minutes and you can do it at this very moment. Here’s how:
- Grab your phone.
- Scroll through your contacts.
I’m willing to bet that within a minute, you’ll stumble upon someone you genuinely care for—perhaps even someone you love—whom you didn’t connect with at all last year. In fact, I’m confident that if you continue scrolling, you’ll find several people who fit this description.
You didn’t lose touch with them because of a falling out or any dramatic shift. Life simply got busy. You were occupied, they were too—it’s the nature of life. Additionally, part of you probably thought, “That person will always be around, so I can reach out later.” We all make excuses, and while that’s natural, it’s important to remember that those you care about won’t be around forever. One day, both they and you may no longer be here. But for now, you both are. Do you see where I’m going with this?
- Make that call.
Reach out and say hello. Avoid texting or using social media platforms like Facebook. People often present different versions of themselves online—less open and more curated. A “like” or a brief comment can’t replace the warmth of a face-to-face conversation, nor can it replicate the joy of sharing laughter or a heartfelt embrace.
The digital age has reduced our intricate networks of friends and family to mere contact lists. It’s as if our rich emotional lives have been distilled into a dropdown menu, a simplistic representation of what should be a vibrant tapestry of relationships. While that can sometimes be sufficient given our busy lives, January—the coldest and often loneliest month—is the perfect time to prioritize genuine connections. Make that effort to reconnect with those who truly matter. Share a toast. Laugh at a shared memory. Sing a silly song together. Remember what your friendship was before it was limited to “likes” and retweets. I assure you, you won’t regret it.
I hope this encourages you to take that step. It always helps me. And if reading this only deepens your disdain for January, just remember, it could be worse—I could have suggested you hit the gym.
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In summary, January is a time to reflect on our connections and to reach out to those we may have neglected. Prioritize genuine interactions over digital ones, and embrace the warmth of friendship.