New Year, New Me?

Happy New Year! I hope this one will be your best yet; no pressure. New year, new you right? Did you design your vision board already, set some goals? This year is going to be the year right? Time to lock in. No distractions, a steady routine, consistency. No excuses! 2025 was the year of the snake: the chance to shed your old skin. 2026 will be the year of the fire horse: the time to reap what you sowed. So what did you sow exactly? What are your hopes and dreams – and more importantly – how are you going to realize them?

If this stresses you out: good. Me too. To whoever decided that the time to begin the new year is in the middle of winter: why? When we take a look at nature and the rhythm of the seasons, the beginning of spring would be the most logical and suitable moment to initiate the new year. How unnatural is it to expect ourselves to turn over a new leaf when there are no literal leaves left on the trees? 

In Iran for example, the new year  (Nowruz) is celebrated around the spring equinox. When you take a look at old Jewish or Egyptian calendars, the new year also starts around this time. Why is it then that we took the first of January as a starting point? Well, long story short, reasons for this relate to Roman heritage, ecclesiastical reforms and international agreements. However, when we prioritize science and non-western history, celebrating the new year in spring is the favourable option. 

So, don’t let all the pressure from new year’s resolutions and cultural expectations get to you. Take it slow, like winter demands from us. Spring to life later – or exactly on time – when nature calls us to. 

New year, new me? Well, not for now at least. Ask me again in another three months.

08.01.2026