So.
One.
Done.
The first page of the calendar has been turned, ripped, idk, do people still own paper calendars?!
Anyhow, January has packed its bags, and left the chat.
So.
Have you lost it already?
Or are you one of those people who makes it their whole personality trait up until March?
What do you mean, what?!
Your list of New Year’s resolutions, of course!
Oh, you’re still going strong with that gym membership? Damn, brother, you must teach me something, because I’ll admit it – the receptionist has most likely forgotten my face by now!
So.
Here I am. Maybe, here we are?
I used to feel intimidated by the end of January. Facing that slow fade of enthusiasm, still battling the winter blues, no longer cushioned by the glow of Christmas lights. And then, there’s that piece of paper, lying on the desk, which I pretend not to see, but can’t obsessively avoid noticing. But here’s the thing: that list? It was a draft. It’s not a never-ending reminder of failure. It’s a suggestion. We’ve got 329 days ahead of us to rethink, refresh, and revalue. It doesn’t have to haunt us; it can be an opportunity to try again. And, hey, now that we’ve had a month to ease into this year, we’ve gained just enough perspective to dial those lofty expectations down a notch.
Whatever commitment you made right before sliding into this new year, it’s not a prison sentence.
Start small.
Want to do something good for your well-being? Maybe it’s not the gym this month, but a walk outside when the sun actually shows up. And given that you find yourself in Sweden in the middle of winter, you don’t even have to fear the occasion happening too often. If you’re feeling adventurous and inspired by the cold, you could even consider more outdoor activities. If you’re not yet familiar with Swedish society, hold tight, because you might not know that… at Fritidsbanken, you can borrow sports and outdoor equipment for free for 14 days! (https://www.fritidsbanken.se/)
What about all those promises to be a better partner, a more caring child, or a more supportive friend? Maybe this year, instead of postponing that call with your mom for the fifth time and saying, “I’ll visit soon,” how about actually fixing that in the agenda, or even showing up with some flowers (or, you know, a cheap bottle of wine—we’re all human here)?
And what about that line about becoming an actively involved citizen? Well, the enthusiasm of becoming vegan overnight, opening an animal rescue shelter, and solving world hunger is admirable. But if that feels overwhelming right now, remember that small things matter. We all know how rich JU is with dozens of committees, associations, and activities. But if you haven’t yet found something that clicks, let me tell you: outside the campus, Jönköping has a vibrant community, and it offers many opportunities for you to contribute.
For example, have you ever thought about putting your cooking skills to use? Every Tuesday at Nyfiket, there’s a soup kitchen where you can enjoy warm soup, bread, and salad for a ridiculously low price. Extra hands to chop onions and big biceps to stir big pots would definitely be appreciated! If you feel like helping out, next Tuesday talk to the cashier or kitchen staff about joining in! (https://kulturhusetjonkoping.se/254-folkkok/)
If you don’t feel at home in a food kitchen but would rather get your hands dirty greasing old bike chains, Cykelköket – the bike kitchen – is your place to be. Here, members can adopt abandoned bicycles in need of repairs, large or small, at a very low cost. And most importantly, volunteers eager to learn-by-doing (and YouTube!) are always welcome to join the team! On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, don’t shy away – take a peek in the workshop, and maybe you’ll get the chance to learn something new while helping out! (https://www.cykelkoketjonkoping.se/)
These are just two of many opportunities to engage with Jönköping’s network, but you can be creative. Think about what you actually enjoy doing, what you have to give, and what you would like to receive. Whether it’s in your neighborhood, at your favorite second-hand shop, with the elderly, or with kids. You might not think so, but your contribution could be more valuable than you expect.
So yeah, that list of resolutions you started with, the Whole ‘New Year, New Me’ thing?
It’s not about crossing things off a list with a big fat marker. You still have time to pull it out and look at it again. Not as a reminder of what you’ve failed to do, but as a tool for making this year your year. Small changes. Small wins. Maybe you’ll even hit one of those big resolutions later on. We might all be running marathons and writing novels by March, but no pressure. You’ve got 329 days to figure it out.
Writer: Silvia Dal Sasso
