Happy New Year, Happy Wintering
Happy New Year and Happy Winter!
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Last month as December was drawing to a close, I felt a shift. It happens every year around this time. I realize that “winter” is technically a noun, but this time of year, for me, it also feels like a verb.
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The best way I can describe this energy is that it’s a “drawing inward” in almost every way; energetically, socially, creatively. This well-established pattern used to frustrate me. I get hyped about New Year energy, and so this always felt in the past like the opposite of how I wanted to feel the first of the year, which is invigorated, ready, and wildly inspired to do all. the. things. Now I know to trust it, and especially, after a media-heavy December with lots of somber and dark themes, I know that it’s necessary.
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The word on the streets in Chinese Zodiac Circles is that 2026 is “The Year of the Fire Horse”, which “they” are saying is a big, powerful, year full of change and immense energetic shifts. But then, Pantone, for the first time ever, chose white as “The Color of the Year”. 11-4201 Cloud Dancer to be exact, possibly signaling that we all need some peace, some soothing, and some calm.
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It’s okay if this all sounds crazy to you. While I enjoy reading and thinking about these things, I often remind myself that following my own intuition, and trying to balance setting goals but also letting life unfold and surprise is the path I feel most comfortable walking these days. Also, a year is a long time, with many seasons. So there is plenty of time for it to be sprinkled with a little of this, a little of that. Which is always how every year goes anyway. While I’ll likely start this year quietly “wintering”, I also turn 50 this year, and won’t be surprised if the Year of the Horse comes for me in it’s own way sooner rather than later.
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So as we step into a New Year, if you find yourself full of wild, firey energy for big life plans and goals, I am excited for you and wishing you all the best in those endeavors. If like, me, you feel a waiting, a pause, and like maybe 2026 is going to be a slow burn, that’s okay too. No matter how the year starts out for you, I hope it brings you peace, good health, and a few fun surprises along the way.
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This year I plan to open up a few spaces in my therapy practice. I’ve been all virtual and not taking new clients, but early in January I am likely to open up a few more spots with a possible return to an in-person option one day a week. If you know someone who may need support in the areas of depression, anxiety, mid-life women or teen issues, transitions or empowerment, feel free to have them reach out.
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I’ll also continue to offer portrait sessions this year. If you know you want me to save you a spot, you can message me directly HERE.
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Lastly, thanks for following along! I’ll continue to share these newsletters, but this year, will be updating once a season. If you want to stay connected on Instagram, I’ll probably continue to pop in there from time to time, as well as on Substack. You can find all the links, as well as some blogs here and there at lifelensandlove.com
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xoxo,
Gina
Gina D. Graham, LCSW is a portrait therapist and Clinical Social Worker in the suburbs of Chicago. Gina loves to focus both her lens and her work on the empowerment of girls and women, and celebrating the beauty of every day.