This past summer, I had the privilege of traveling to my family’s homelands in Ethiopia, a country that follows its own unique calendar system. In Ethiopia, it’s still 2017—their calendar, rooted in the ancient Coptic tradition, doesn’t align with the Gregorian calendar most of the world follows. Their calendar comprises 13 months, with the Ethiopian New Year, or Enkutatash, celebrated in September, at the end of the rainy season. During this time, the Adey Abeba flowers bloom, symbolizing renewal and fresh beginnings. This idea of starting anew when the land is lush and ready feels deeply resonant.
Image of Ethiopian women during rainy season by: ERIC LAFFORGUE
Reflecting on this, I’ve been thinking about how disconnected many of us feel from the rhythms of nature and our own seasons of rest and renewal—especially as we transition out of the holiday season. While the Gregorian calendar tells us it’s January and time to make resolutions and dive into our goals, many of us may not feel ready. We might still be tired from the rush of year-end deadlines, holiday commitments, and the emotional weight that this time of year often brings.
And honestly, that makes perfect sense. Our biological clocks are still attuned to the shorter days and colder temperatures of winter (like, it’s dark-o-clock at 5PM!). This is not the season for planting seeds, whether literal or proverbial. For centuries, Indigenous traditions have understood winter as a time of rest, reflection, and preparation. It’s a season to honor stillness and to gather the energy needed for the blooming of spring.
“Reminding myself as Mother Nature rests that it’s okay if I do too.” – Osho
Historically, new year celebrations have often aligned with the rhythms of nature. The Babylonians, for example, celebrated their new year, called Akitu, after the spring equinox. For up to 12 days, they marked this new beginning with rituals tied to the cycles of light and darkness. Similarly, the Chinese New Year, celebrated for over 3,500 years, begins with the second new moon after the winter solstice, usually in late January or February, as spring draws near. These traditions remind us that there’s wisdom in waiting for the earth—and ourselves—to be ready.
Chinese New Year Celebration. Photo by: Getty Images
As nonprofit and social change leaders, we often feel pressured to hit the ground running in January. Funders expect reports and deliverables; boards want strategic plans finalized. Add to that the weight of anticipating political and social challenges in our near future, and it’s no wonder we might feel drained or unmotivated. Yet, forcing ourselves to perform in a season that’s not naturally aligned with growth is counterproductive. Instead, we can find ways to honor this period for what it is—a time to rest, reflect, and prepare.
Here are four ways to use this season intentionally to set yourself and your work up for a fruitful spring:
1. Replenish Your Energy
Take stock of what you need to feel whole and energized. Whether it’s extra sleep, time away from screens, or reconnecting with loved ones, prioritize self-care. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and rest is the foundation of sustainable leadership.
2. Reflect and Refine
Use this time to revisit your goals and values. What’s working? What isn’t? Instead of setting rigid resolutions, consider how you want your life (or work, home, relationships) to feel and what small shifts can move you in that direction. Think of this as tilling the soil before planting.
3. Plan for the Spring
Use these months to lay the groundwork for what you’ll grow in the warmer months. Focus on planning, research, or skill-building rather than immediate execution. This ensures that when it’s time to take action, you’re fully prepared.
4. Build Community
Winter is a natural time to gather—even virtually—to connect with others. Share ideas, resources, and support with peers or team members. Collective reflection can lead to new insights and a stronger sense of purpose. If you’re looking for a space to gather with others, gain inspiration, ideas, and connection during this season of preparation, I invite you to join us on January 20th for Stay Woke: Rooted, Ready & Rising, our upcoming event focused on leaders solidifying our work for change through unity and shared purpose. We’ll gather, ground and gear up, together, for what’s ahead. Register today!
As we step into 2025, let’s remember that nature’s wisdom has always been available to us. The Ethiopian calendar, Indigenous traditions, and ancient festivals all remind us that beginnings don’t have to be rushed. They come when the time is right, after the necessary rest and preparation. So if you’re not quite ready to declare, “New year, new me,” that’s okay. Give yourself permission to move at the pace of the season, and your humanity. Let’s use this time wisely, so we’re ready to grow (and resist) when the season calls for it.
In love and struggle,
