New Year, Same You – And Why That’s Not a Bad Thing

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January tells us to reinvent ourselves.
Your body tells a different story.

In this New Year’s solocast, Cinnamon pushes back on the pressure to start strong, fix everything, and become someone new just because the calendar flipped. January was never meant to be a season of blooming. It’s a season of rooting, resting, and rebuilding under the surface.

This episode is for anyone who feels behind before the year even starts. Especially first responders who are already running on disrupted sleep, chronic stress, and a nervous system that never fully stands down.

Cinnamon breaks down why January motivation so often fails, how cultural pressure sets us up for shame, and the difference between survival years and growth years. She offers a more humane way forward. One built on minimum viable habits, honest self-assessment, and small choices that actually stick.

You’ll hear why comparing yourself to who you “should be” is a losing game, how to stop judging a survival season by growth-year standards, and what it really means to move forward without burning yourself out.

Cinnamon also shares two simple end-of-year rituals you can use anytime. A burn list to release what you’re done carrying, and a 90-day letter to set intentions without overwhelming yourself.

This isn’t about reinvention.
 It’s about becoming.
 Gently. Intentionally. In your own time.

If January feels heavy, slow, or quiet, this episode will help you understand why and remind you that nothing is wrong with you.

Episode 138 of After the Tones Drop is available now.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE