March is the New January

Silly Thoughts, volume 9

Megan Bidmead

01 Feb 2026 — 4 min read

I was voice messaging my sister-in-law recently, lamenting my lack of progress on my main resolution for this year (to look after my physical health). She pointed out that in pagan times, the idea of beginning a strict regime in January would have been considered ridiculous. 'March is for new beginnings. January and February is for staying inside and reading by candlelight.'

This makes so much sense to me. January and February are my toughest times of the year; they require gentleness, a slower pace, and less pressure. I'm not interested in punishing myself. I'm also not interested in feeling guilty for enjoying good food and lazy days over Christmas. Gathering to celebrate the darkest nights by eating delicious things and laughing together is one of the joys of life, and I hate that we collectively try to repent for it as soon as January ticks around, as though we've all been a bit naughty. I wish we could move beyond diet culture and into actual holistic nourishment of our bodies and souls. I wish we could take some of the pressure and anger and expectations we pile on ourselves and redirect it to the systems that keep us broken and tired and unhealthy.

But you know. I might as well be wishing for world peace, which itself feels more impossible than ever. The point is, I'm sleeping more, I'm staying inside, I'm drinking insane amounts of tea, and I'll regroup in March when things feel more manageable again. It's enough right now just to get through.

A few things I've enjoyed this month:

Oklou's Choke Enough has been my writing album of choice this month, seeing me through several rounds of drafting and editing.
Also, I continue to enjoy Rachel Bochner's Lovergirl. I know I've mentioned it before but there's something about the romance of it, the poignant longing, that is nice to warm up an otherwise drab January.
Barry Can't Swim's new song Chala (My Soul Is On A Loop) is a nice tune to get lost in.
I've finally moved on from Supermarket Simulator to pla y other video games. The Animal Crossing update has come along. Slowly decorating our hotel rooms is keeping me (and my daughter) happy. She's on the prowl for Mineru and Tulin.
I've also played a bit of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage. Enjoying it, obviously, as it's just my kinda game. But more on that in a separate post.

The things I've enjoyed online this month have mostly been about finding sane voices among the chaos. Like this article from Creative Fuel about finding comfort, purpose, and passion in art during uncertain times:

Hank Green's video in the aftermath of the ICE shootings is a balm to those who feel they're going insane with being gaslit constantly:

My favourite Elijah Wood lookalike/animal expert, Clint's Reptiles, takes on nonsensical conspiracy theories, dismantling them point by point, while refusing to stoop to the level of insults:

I aspire to this level of calm, level-headed, but thorough rebuking when I see someone spreading false information. I am failing miserably, but I want you to know that my heart desires it.

And finally, I recommend this article on The Guardian by Jessica DeFino:

I read a lot of books this month. So many, in fact, that I filmed a reading wrap-up! I'll hopefully be posting this later in the week. As always, I am grateful for you. And finally: