The start of a new year signals the birth of a refreshing, new mindset...ideally. Of course, this can be hard to maintain, which is why I've decided to begin each month with a list of 'simple pleasures' to fuel a happy, healthy attitude.

1. January's Origin

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The month of January has a beautifully unique backstory. It was named after the Roman god Janus- the god of doorways and archways, ends and beginnings. Janus is depicted with two heads; one facing forward and the other facing back- representing both the bittersweet sentiment of reflecting on the past, and the sanguine act of looking forward with excitement for what's to come.

2. The New Year

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With the spirit of Janus comes the joyfulness of new beginnings. A new year means new opportunities, new friends, great accomplishments, and a strong sense of optimism. Who doesn't relish the idea of wiping the slate clean and making the most of what the future has to offer?

3. The Garnet Stone

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I have always enjoyed the fact that each month has it's own special birthstone. While I'm not sure I believe in the various properties and powers associated with gems, I find it beautiful that everyone has a precious stone related to their birth month- something I believe can, at the very least, bring a sense of individuality and inspiration. January's birthstone, the garnet, often a deep red, represents physical love and attraction. It is said to improve circulation and to help you stay grounded and present in the world.

4. The Carnation and Snowdrop

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Not only does each month have it's own birthstone, but it has it's own flower as well- sometimes more than one. January's flowers are the carnation and the snowdrop. The carnation is vibrantly colored, often in shades of pink and red. The carnation is commonly thought to represent love and vitality. The snowdrop is fitting for this late winter month as it is often the first flower to blossom after the snow melts, hence its name. January being the first of the year, and the snowdrop being the first of the flowers, each serves as a symbol for rebirth.

5. Champagne

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Since every month of the year has a birthstone and flower, I figure each should have its own drink too. Certainly champagne is the most obvious choice for January- crisp, cool, bubbly, and a toast to the new year.

6. The Weather

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Though we don't often experience traditional weather where I come from (Oklahoma), in most other states January brings chilled air, clean snow- so white it's almost blue, and frost on the branches. Though it's likely snowed before, and probably will after, January's snows seem somehow fresher and brighter than in other months.

7. Sales

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If you're not tired of shopping after the holiday season (or, let's be honest, are looking for supplementary gifts after the one's you've returned), there's no better month to stroll through the mall or scroll through websites. After the hustle and bustle of Black Friday and Christmas, stores want to get rid of leftover products as soon as possible- and that means discounts, coupons, and big sales. So, get you're credit card ready and take advantage.

8. Awards Shows

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January jump-starts awards season- the Critic's Choice, the Golden Globes, and Screen Actor's Guild awards lead into a brand new year of formal wear, celebrity gossip, memes, and more. This month begins a string of excuses in indulgence and petty chatter about TV and movie personalities. What's better than that?

9. Time

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This may be specific to me, but for some reason, time seems to slow in January. Perhaps this is because it is the first of the year. You're just dipping your toes into 2019, which means you've got a whole 11 months ahead of us- all the time in the world.

10. Quiet

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Along with clean slates and resolutions, January offers a refreshing, meditative calm. The holidays are behind you and there's a break before classes start up again, which allows for thoughtful retrospection and rejuvenation.

Here's to January! Enjoy all the simple pleasures this month brings.

Ps: Shout-out to all Capricorns and Aquarius'!