January has always felt like a breath of fresh ocean air—a quiet pause after the insanity of the holidays. But instead of diving into resolutions or chasing goals, I’ve chosen to take it slow this year. My focus isn’t on doing more but on being more present.
Interestingly, the second Friday in January is known as Quitter’s Day, when many people give up on their New Year’s resolutions.
It’s not surprising. After going hard in pursuit of big goals, burnout often follows.
This year, I decided to avoid the trap of overcommitting and set a slower, steadier pace instead.
My word for the winter season is cozy—a word that invites warmth, intention, and a sense of ease into my days. As the evenings stretch long and the mornings start slow, I’ve leaned into gently resetting my life for the new season.
Setting Intentions for the Winter Season
Rather than rushing to overhaul my routines or chase lofty resolutions, I’ve focused on small, meaningful actions that align with my word for the season. Here’s what that’s looked like so far:
Cleaning and Decluttering: Tackling one area at a time has brought a sense of calm and clarity to my space. It’s not about perfection, but creating a home that feels lighter and more aligned with the season. And instead of buying new furniture or decorations, I’ve leaned into rearranging and redecorating with the pieces we already have in our home.
Updating My Wardrobe: Embracing cozy, intentional pieces has been a small but meaningful way to care for myself and welcome the winter months. Instead of grabbing something that catches my eye at Target or Old Navy like I usually do, I’m opting to purchase items that will elevate my wardrobe. (Over the past 5 years I’ve really embraced the stretchy pants and hoodie look, and I’m feeling ready for a change.) Plus I am trying to dress for the body I currently have, rather than the one I hope to have.
Preparing for the Lunar New Year: For me, this marks a true reset. Cleaning, setting intentions, and reflecting on what I want to carry into this next chapter have brought a sense of renewal and peace. This year, we plan on celebrating with my parents…and taking a week off from our daily lives.
By taking it slow, I’ve avoided the all-or-nothing mentality that often leads to burnout and discouragement.
Why Taking It Slow Works
We often think we need to start the year with a sprint, but what if we approached it like a marathon? Slow, steady steps allow us to sustain the energy needed for meaningful growth.
Instead of setting rigid resolutions, I’ve focused on aligning my actions with how I want to feel—cozy, intentional, and present. It’s a mindset shift that has helped me stay grounded while still making progress.
Exciting News: My Podcast Launches January 29
This slower pace has also given me the space to pour my energy into something I’m so excited to share: my podcast, Cozy Notes, launches on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Yes, that’s the Lunar New Year. What better way to start a new year than with a new podcast?!
Cozy Notes is a space where we’ll explore intentional living, rediscover joy, and embrace a slower pace of life. The first episode is my origin story—how slowing down transformed my life. Each episode will offer stories, insights, and practical tips to help you create a life that feels rich and meaningful.
I hope you’ll join me for this cozy conversation!
And please bear with me as I figure out a new platform and editing tools. Let’s just say the first few episodes had some hiccups in the video department—but instead of rerecording like the perfectionist past me would’ve done, I said, “Good enough! I’m a newbie podcaster and will improve over time.” And then I let that 💩 go. Progress over perfection, right?
The podcast will launch here on Substack first, and (fingers crossed) it’ll show up on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, too. Just a heads-up: Apple and Spotify might take a week or two to register the podcast, so don’t start searching there just yet. YouTube uploads will follow shortly after, depending on how long it takes me to wrangle a thumbnail together (current me is reminding future me that this will get easier eventually!).
Oh, and one more thing—season one is going to come in hot for the first few weeks, with several episodes landing close together. After that, I’ll settle into a slower, more sustainable rhythm of weekly episodes. So, if your inbox feels busier than usual at first, just know it’ll ease up soon!
My Current Offers
As we ease into the new year, here are some ways we can work together:
Embrace Life, Live Fully
This 12-week coaching program is designed to help you slow down, reconnect with what truly matters, and create a life that feels intentional and fulfilling.
Through personalized guidance, you’ll learn to:
Align your daily actions with your values.
Reclaim your time and energy by simplifying your commitments.
Create sustainable habits that support your well-being.
Choose from 6 or 12 Zoom calls, combined with 12 weeks of Voxer support, to receive the tools, encouragement, and accountability you need to embrace life and live fully—on your own terms.
Life, Simplified (NEW!!)
This is a 12-week Voxer-only coaching package that offers the same transformative support as Embrace Life, Live Fully, but with the flexibility of text and voice messaging.
This program is perfect if you’re looking for personalized guidance and accountability on your own schedule, without the need for scheduled Zoom calls.
Together, we’ll focus on simplifying your life, reclaiming your time, and creating habits that align with your values—all in a way that feels sustainable and empowering.
Mini Coaching Sessions
Perfect for a quick reset or targeted guidance, this 1-hour session includes 1 week of Voxer support to help you integrate the insights and strategies we uncover together.
Whether you’re looking to tackle a specific challenge, gain clarity on your next steps, or receive practical advice tailored to your needs, these sessions are designed to provide impactful, focused support in a short amount of time.
A Cozy Invitation
If you’ve found yourself hitting the proverbial Quitter’s Day wall, I invite you to pause. Instead of pushing through burnout or feeling discouraged, take a step back. Focus on small, intentional actions that bring you closer to how you want to feel.
For me, January has been about creating space—space to reset, reflect, and ease into the year with intention. What about you? What’s one small step you can take today to align with the life you want to create?
Let’s start this year gently, with one cozy moment at a time.
Here's What My Clients Are Saying:
Working with Xuan helped me gently sustain focus on what matters most in a way that seems life-changing. I call myself an artist now and put energy into cultivating that part of myself and my life. - Lisa B., Spiritual Director & Homeschool Mom