The First Pancake

The beginning of the year often brings a sense of a fresh start. While I don’t usually make new year’s resolutions, I do try to lean into that feeling of new year energy, often activated by a healthy jump in the frigid ocean. (I’m talking about the polar bear swim of course, a Canadian New Year’s Day tradition.)

This January, however, did not live up to that “fresh start” expectation. Far from it. By the end of the first week, I decided that the first week of January was a throwaway week, and that I would “officially” start the new year from the second week.

I quickly realized the second week was not going to be an improvement. So gradually, I accepted that the whole of January would need to be tossed out unceremoniously. The first pancake is always a throwaway, and January 2024 is a throwaway month.

So if you felt like the last month was unreasonably difficult, unfairly devastating, and/or unexpectedly grief-filled, you are not alone. And the good news is: it’s over now. Good riddance.

Today is February, so… Happy for-real New Year!!! I know you can do better, February! I believe in you! Especially since it’s a leap year, and we all get an extra day of life this month. Let’s go February! 🤞🙏🍀