So many people want to know what it means to be seriously carefree? You can interpret that phrase many ways. To me, it means to take your wellbeing seriously. 

As adults, we have so many responsibilities. We could go hours, if not days and weeks, before we do something for ourselves.

I prefer doing a few small things for myself throughout the day rather than hope for a whole day to just unwind.

The other day we had a rare snowstorm. I paused adulting to go play in the snow. Watching it collect on the branches and trying to catch flakes on my tongue brought back my childhood excitement and wonder.

I felt energized and renewed. Happy. It only took 20 minutes to change my outlook on the whole day.

Be spontaneous. Seize opportunities like these. Your tasks will be there when you are done, but the opportunity, like melting snow, will be gone.

​In U.S. culture it is popular for people to start implementing new goals on January first.
 
The plan is set, and they are ready to go with their resolutions. It makes sense. It’s the beginning of a new calendar year, so why not start on day one?
 
I wonder how many people are more like me. I set my goals January first through approximately January 15th. I use this time to reflect upon the last year, refine old goals, and dream up new possibilities.
 
December’s many holiday distractions prevent me from deep goal setting. It isn’t until January when I can get a fresh look at my goals. Winter is hitting its stride by then, making it a great time to turn inward.
 
January is like a pie baking in the oven. The aromas fill the kitchen. The crust turns golden brown. Time to get out the cooling rack and set the table.
 
It is not time to eat yet. The pie will be undercooked if taken out too soon. It will burn your mouth if eaten before it cools.
 
Goal setting is the same. New information will be overlooked if you set them using the old energy of the waning year. Details may be missed, deadlines may need to shift, and the goal’s importance may fall away.
 
It is not to say that you can’t revise things later in the year. In fact, it is wise to revisit your goals quarterly. But don’t rush to set them in December.
 
Baking is for January.