When the New Year Doesn’t Feel Like a Fresh Start
Not everyone hits the ground running in January.
Maybe you’re still tired. Maybe you’re grieving. Maybe the world feels too loud and your inner voice too quiet.
This is more common than you think and it doesn’t mean you’re behind. It might just mean you’re in a different rhythm.
In Jungian work, we honor the wisdom of the unconscious. And the unconscious doesn’t care about calendars or resolutions. It moves slowly. Symbolically. And in winter, it often pulls us inward.
A Different Kind of Beginning
Culturally, we’re told that January is for bold declarations and big changes.
But nature tells a different story.
Trees don’t bloom in winter.
Seeds don’t sprout the moment they’re planted.
There’s a hidden process beneath the surface.
If you feel quiet, uncertain, or simply not ready, you’re not broken.
You’re just being honest.
The Ego Wants Action. The Self Wants Alignment.
Most resolutions come from the ego:
“I should be more productive.”
“I need to fix this.”
“I’ll finally get it right this time.”
But the deeper Self moves differently.
It asks: What’s real for me right now?
It listens. It waits. It aligns.
Instead of pushing forward, the Self invites you to pause and to trust that your direction will come from within, not from pressure.
Three Gentle Questions to Start the Year:
What am I still carrying from last year that wants to be felt or released?
What does my inner world need right now—rest, clarity, support, space?
If I followed my natural rhythm instead of outside expectations, what would I choose?
You Don’t Have to Force a New Beginning
What if this year started with gentleness instead of goals? With presence instead of performance?
The deeper journey doesn’t begin with a checklist. It begins with a quiet yes to what’s already inside you.
Want to explore this more deeply? Join our Book Club this January.
We’re gathering for a community book club centered around The Book of Shadow Work: Unlock the True You by Keila Shaheen.
It’s a space to continue this inward journey to slow down, reflect, and explore the parts of ourselves that often remain beneath the surface. Much like the reflections here, this book club is an invitation to notice what’s stirring beneath the surface and to give yourself space to meet it with honesty and care.
There’s no requirement to finish the book or know anything beforehand. Simply bring a bit of curiosity and an openness to explore your inner world at your own pace.
Join us:
📍 In Person (Durango): Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | 5:30–7:00 PM MST
🗓️ Online: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 5:00–6:30 PM MST
Register here:
In Person Book Club
Online Book Club
See you there!
With love and light,
Cindy Schmidt
Owner, Wild New Way Jungian Life & Relationship Coaching
wildnewway.com | 970-985-2416 | 813 Main Ave, Suite 201, Durango, CO
If you're feeling stuck in your relationships, unsure of your purpose, or simply looking for deeper meaning and fulfillment in your life, as a Certified Master Jungian Life and Relationship coach, Cindy Schmidt can help guide you toward greater self-awareness, clarity, and connection.
Through the lens of Jungian Psychology and Eastern Philosophy, you'll gain a deeper understanding of your inner world and develop tools to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and grace. If you're ready to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth, take action now and book a Complimentary Clarity Session with Cindy. The benefits of this work are immeasurable, and the possibilities for your life are endless. Don't wait another day to start living your most fulfilling, authentic life.