January always makes me pause. It’s the month of planning, of setting intentions. I stopped making resolutions years ago, but I still ask the same questions at the start of each year. What goals will I achieve? What do I want my year to look like? How do I want to live my life?

There’s a lot to be grateful for. And as I’ve been easing into the year, here are a few things I’ve been loving lately.

Planner.
Every January, without fail, I look forward to choosing a new planner. There’s something hopeful about blank pages. Writing in birthdays. Vacation plans. Notes about what matters. It’s less about productivity and more about direction—and looking forward.

Snow.
I didn’t see this snowfall in person, but my husband did, and he captured it perfectly. Fresh snow covering the trees, quiet and undemanding. Growing up in northeast Ohio, I loved watching snow fall and then slowly (or not so slowly—if you know, you know) accumulate, inch by inch. Snow brings its own beauty.

Birds chirping.
Breaking through the stillness of night, birds chirping signal the start of another day. It’s small, but it makes me smile before I even open my eyes.

Cozy sweaters.
Living in Georgia, I don’t get to wear them often—which makes them feel like a small gift when I do. Choosing warmth. Choosing comfort. Sinking into the familiar without rushing past it.

Called to Create by Jordan Raynor.
This book offered a unique perspective on work and entrepreneurship. Hearing how the creative process shows up in the lives of other entrepreneurs was inspiring. Encouraging. Motivating. It reminded me of Philippians 2:13: for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. As a creative—and as an entrepreneur—both the wanting to do and the doing itself are sourced in God.

Holy Forever by Chris Tomlin.
Holy Forever is pure worship. A reminder of the expanse and marvelousness of God. The kind of song that lifts your eyes up and widens your perspective. God is just awesome.

Life.
So many didn’t make it into this year. January reminds me that I have 365 things—at least—to be grateful for.

January. It’s been steady. Intentional. And full in its own quiet way.

What about you? What’s making you smile?

Let’s keep the conversation going.