A Time to Review and Renew

Can you believe it? We're just days away from bidding farewell to the twelfth and final month of the year! The dawn of 2024 is right on the horizon, waiting to unfold before us.

From the start of winter to the year's final countdown, December packs our calendars with festivities almost every day. It's hands down the liveliest month, but that also means it's the busiest. Amid the celebrations, finding a moment to rest or pause becomes a rare luxury for many of us!

It’s ironic then, if we look to nature as the December solstice blankets the northern hemisphere with winter, rest and pause are exactly what we would see. The winter solstice brings the longest night of the year. The trees have shed their leaves and are baring their branches. The animals have gathered their winter stores and are entering hibernation. Adapting to the cold and darkness of this season, the natural world begins to slow down and conserve its energy. And if we tune in and pay attention to our natural instincts, we might notice the desire to slow down, cozy up, and settle in as well.

The winter solstice also marks the return of the sun; a turning point from darkness back to light. It symbolizes a moment of transition and rebirth and signifies the beginning of a new cycle.

With all this taking place in the universe, it’s natural to find ourselves reminiscing and reviewing all that has happened over the past twelve months. Recalling triumphs and setbacks, welcome surprises and unexpected events, big and small. Reflecting on all the ways that we’ve grown or evolved, the changes that we’ve made or navigated through; and acknowledging our accomplishments, along with the hardships we may have endured along the way.

It could also mean taking note of all the things we didn’t get around to doing or the intentions that got lost or forgotten. Perhaps it was a trip we didn’t get to take, dance classes we intended to sign up for but just never got around to, old habits we intended to break, or new routines we wanted to develop. Maybe even our health or well-being got off track. Whatever the case, we surely all have a thing or two we didn’t check off our lists this year.

The good news? It’s okay. It’s okay if you didn’t get all the things done you wanted to this year. Because it happens to all of us. It’s quite easy and common for our priorities to shift and for some of our needs and desires to take a back seat to others as we go about our days and get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and bustle.

This is why the universe brings us back here again, presenting another opportunity to take a pause. Rather than trying to carry on at full speed ahead into the next annual cycle, we can instead choose to align with the energy of the natural world through this transition.

Let’s look again at the universe. Before the birth of another spring, Mother Nature pauses for the winter to rest and restore. We too can embrace this time to be still. We can surrender to the hibernation of winter to conserve our energy and gather ourselves before beginning the next cycle. Here is another opportunity to self-reflect, tune in, and reconnect with our authentic selves. Honoring this space allows us a chance to refocus our sights, and restore our desires and ambitions; reevaluate and reprioritize our needs and goals, and truly recommit to ourselves.

At The Green Pineapple Wellness Cafe, we're not just a place to enjoy a cup of coffee; we're your partners in achieving your New Year's resolutions. Whether you're seeking a tranquil space to sip your coffee and journal or looking to embrace a healthier diet with our menu of organic, whole foods, we've got you covered. Consider our juice cleanse program for a digestive system reset. And, why not venture into trying something new, like the adaptogen latte or Bahn Mi sandwich you’ve been curious about?

If you're planning to embrace 'Dry January,' swap your usual wine and champagne for non-alcoholic alternatives from our selection, featuring Curious Elixirs, Drink Parch, or XOBC Hop Water. The Green Pineapple Wellness Cafe is not just a destination; it's your starting point for a refreshed and renewed self. We're here to make sure you check off all those resolutions from your list. Your journey begins right here with us.

Whatever your resolutions include, the new year is there to signify growth and new opportunities. And we’re here to help you find that connection to your goals, and the universe, once again.

Then, as the sun sets on the twelfth month and rises on the first, slowly lengthening and warming the day, trees budding, and animals emerging from slumber, may we too find ourselves refreshed and renewed in this new year.

Keep the resolutions going by exploring our menu and upcoming events, including monthly Farm to Table dinners. You can also visit our market, complete with biodynamic wine, pasta, oils, sauces, non-alcoholic beverages, and so much more at The Green Pineapple Wellness Cafe.