A Quiet Greeting from Four Deer: Foundations for a Softer January

"Whooo, it's a cold one!"
I’ve been hearing (and saying) that a lot here in the mountains of Vermont. The last five winters have trended warmer with lighter snowfall — 2024 was even one of Lincoln’s least-snowy on record. Honestly, I didn’t mind it. My cold-loving pup, Linus, and I could still walk the fields without sinking past our ankles or having my eyes tear up the moment the wind hit.

But this December came in with a full head of steam — or rather, a blast of snow and true winter cold. Even Linus has given me the look a few times on our walks, as if to say, “Really? This deep, sharp snow is not what I signed up for.”

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Even today — the first day of a brand-new year — he and I were outside feeding the birds. With tears streaming down my cheeks from the cold and my breath puffing like a steam engine, I waved at a couple walking by. I didn’t realize it was my brother and sister-in-law until they turned into their driveway. Yes, I am that cold. Thank goodness the sun was shining.

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Later, I ran (well, drove) to the General Store in town — partly because we needed a few things, but also because it felt good to get out of the house. For those who don’t know, ours is the kind of little store where you can pick up milk and eggs, grab a take-out dinner made by a local chef, and snag some of the best baked goods from talented bakers. You see neighbors, share a smile, and even if you don’t know everyone by name, the staff greet you like you belong. It’s warm and inviting — a comforting pause between where you were and where you’re heading next.

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On the two-minute drive home, four deer stepped out into the road a safe distance ahead of my car. They stood still, watching me, and I watched them right back — all four sets of eyes on me. Eventually another car pulled up behind, so I gently tapped my horn, and they trotted off into the woods. I don’t look for signs in everything, but something about that moment felt like a welcome — a quiet greeting for the year ahead. And for whatever reason, it meant a lot.

So now, maple latte in hand, sitting in my office, smooth jazz playing in the background, two of my kitties snuggled in cat beds behind me, I review the notes I wrote two weeks ago, planning January’s Ginger and Oak article.

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As I sit here, I keep thinking about how ordinary and gentle the morning was — cold, yes, but rich in small moments. A wave to family (even though I didn’t know it was them), the comfort of the General Store, the unexpected pause with four deer standing watch. Nothing big. Nothing dramatic. Just everyday life.

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And maybe that’s exactly how a new year can begin — not with giant resolutions, but with little steps that build our foundation. The kind we can keep. The kind that steadies us when life gets busy again.

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12 Gentle Habits for a Strong Start to the Year

Simple choices, done 5–6 days a week, create foundation — with room for grace.

1. A 5-minute meditation before breakfast
   Start the day grounded instead of rushing. Even a few minutes of stillness settles the nervous system.

2. Put your phone away an hour before bed
   Screen light keeps the brain alert. Give your mind space to unwind so sleep comes easier.

3. Prep vegetables for the week so eating well is easier
   Wash, chop, or roast — future you will be grateful when healthy choices are ready and waiting.

4. Stretch while the kettle boils
   A little mobility tucked into an everyday moment — hips, calves, posture all benefit.

5. Drink a full glass of water first thing in the morning
   Hydrates your system, supports digestion, and wakes up the body gently.

6. Take a 10-minute outdoor walk daily
   Sunlight, fresh air, nature — even a short walk boosts mood and circulation.

7. Do 10 squats or calf raises before showering
   Micro-strength work adds up quickly. Strong legs = better balance and independence.

8. Eat one fruit and one vegetable every day
   No tracking, no stress — just a simple nutrition anchor.

9. Practice nasal breathing for 3 minutes
   Warms, filters, and moisturizes the air. Helps calm the mind and deepen oxygen exchange.

10. Write down one thing you’re grateful for each evening
    Trains the brain toward noticing the good. A tiny joy shift.

11. A 5-minute tidy in one room
    A small reset helps your space feel calmer — and builds momentum.

12. Read a physical book for 10 minutes before bed.
    A softer way to wind down. Pages slow the mind where screens stimulate it.                               

Maybe that quiet moment with the deer was the reminder I needed — a nudge to slow down, breathe, and begin with what’s simple. No rush. No pressure. Just one small choice repeated with kindness. This month let’s build our foundation gently — a habit here, a pause there — little acts of care that carry us through winter. January doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. One quiet habit is enough to start on a year filled with progress you can feel.

Happy New Year!