The Roman god Janus is why the first month of the Western calendar is called January. He’s the god of beginnings, and . . .
He’s two-faced.
Which is often how we start a new year, isn’t it?
A statue of Janus now living in the Vatican*
360-degree view
In the first week of January, one part of us looks back at the year that passed, reflecting and hopefully learning from it, while another part of us looks forward - to the future.
The desire to plan or predict the future is very, very human. I also feel that urge, a craving for some certainty in the sea of possibilities a new year opens up.
The only thing is . . .
And I don’t want to make Janus mad, or imply we can’t learn from what he represents. Reflection and planning are good. It’s just that . . .
Peace only exists in the present moment.
Peace is like the stones - always there. But sometimes hidden under shadows, waves, our perceptions
Not the past, not the future
We can find peace about our past, healing and growing stronger from hardships we’ve endured. And we can do our best to have equanimity when we think about or plan for the future. That’s true and good.
But to experience true and lasting inner peace, we have to get present.
We each have our own challenges to deal with right now, and we live in a wider web - we're affected by social norms, big events, and systems beyond our control.
Why would we want to fully notice what’s happening now and be present with it? Ouch. It hurts.
hat’s exactly what these emails are here to help us with.
Because on the other side of the ick of the present is inner peace, liberation.
Rainbows come after storms
2026 will be . . .
Next time I’ll share my #1 tip for getting through 2026 with more peace.
But I’d really like your input. Please.
How can Wednesday Wisdom continue to support you?
As you reflect back on 2025 and Wednesday Wisdoms specifically, what stories or tips stand out?
I don’t expect anyone to recall every Wed. Wisdom from last year, but if you have a moment to reply, I’d love to hear which stories, ideas, images, or tips you do still remember.
And what kind of content will help you through 2026?
Please reflect on that and share any comments about how Wednesday Wisdom has impacted you, and/or if there’s any content you’d like to see in future emails.
Thanks for some of your precious time and attention today. And I think I’ve forgotten to officially say:
All words and photos by Juniper McKelvie, except Janus photo by:
*Marie-Lan Nguyen (2009), CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8962565
This email was sent from Missoula, Montana so . . .
Thank you to the First Nations of what is now called Western Montana: the Bitterroot Séliš (Salish), the Ql̓ispé (Kalispel), and the Ksanka (Kootenai) - you can read more about all 3 nations on their website.
I also want to give thanks to the Amskapi Piikani (Blackfeet) and the Apsáalooke (Crow) First Nations because I’ve been to and enjoyed their traditional homelands in recent years. Many thanks for your hospitality.
