January

There is something about the first of the first, it has the feeling of opening something new, something that has no history, that's just starting, with all that is in front is optimism. So much can be tied up in the expectations of new beginnings, clean slates and new starts. The month of these new starts, January as we know it, Janvier (France) Janer and Jane in Spain, Januario in Portugal, Gennaro and Zannari (Italy), with many other versions that sound similar across languages.

It is thought that the origins of the name of the month goes back to Roman times, Janus a god of all beginnings, gates, transitions, time, choices, duality, doorways, passages, and endings.

Is it ironic in our fancy modern age many years for the times of romans that we still have an urge to at the turning of the year that we still look forwards for new beginnings?

Is it the deep set of winter that makes us keen to create something new, to make new routines, to engage in activities that lift the spirt and warm the soul?

What ever it is that drive us to make changes on the coming of a new year, I try to remind myself that Rome, the origins of Janus was not built in a day, when I commit to a change I try to make it be meaningful and a long term project.