I Don’t Like January

Posted on by Victoria

There’s a quote attributed to Robin Williams that I appreciate. I’m not sure if it’s a line from a movie or if it’s a quote from a stand-up routine, but it’s an example – I think – of the nearly infinitesimal distinction between comedy and tragedy. Love and loss. Williams revealing bits of his inner turmoil within his generous comedic observations.

“The things we fear the most have already happened to us.” – Robin Williams

Vicki’s additions:
Yes…those things we carry around. Clutching, lamenting…sometimes attempting to shed. Finding ourselves stuck in circles…cycles…patterns…repetition. Eager to break free but unsure how to do so.


I interpret Williams’ statement to include fearsome events that have occurred in reality AND the anxiety-producing events that we might conjure in our minds. Perhaps based on past experiences or fears tied to ‘what if’ considerations. Those are especially vexing for me.

Each January I anticipate a few post-holiday conversations with clients and dear ones about making life changes vs. maintaining the status quo. I understand the reluctance; the appeal of stasis – even if ‘in place’ is admittedly less than desirable. The current locale might be far more enticing than the unknown; the ‘out there’ that could be worse, despite the well-intended, ‘New Year, New You’ encouragement.

January is a month that can apply too much pressure, I say. How many days til February? Only sixteen? Good, good. In the interim, I’m taking a breath. Doing what my dear friend Wynne Leon often recommends:

When in doubt, look around. Do the next right thing. You’ll never know where it’ll take you.

Vicki 😊

Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.

Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love.

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69 thoughts on “I Don’t Like January”

  1. January is such a blah month and I’m so glad we are officially halfway through it. I notice the daylight coming earlier and lasting longer incrementally each day.

    The Robin Williams’ quote made me chuckle. Such a wise and missed artist.

    Stay warm, Vicki!

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  2. Yes, Vicki! Doing the next right thing has been really helpful in reducing my anxiety about what’s still ahead of me.

    The Williams quote, to me, points out that we remember (often implicitly) the painful moments of our lives, and those moments tend to inform us of what to expect in the future, which then can be crippling to us in the present. This is something I’m very much in progress with: when I practice unhinging my past experiences from future hopes, it helps me live with less anxiety in the present.

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  3. “The things we fear the most have already happened to us.” – is so meaningful for me Vicki. Creating future unnecessary anxiety is so not needed. Go away January. Let there be light 🙏🏼

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  4. My birthday is in January (the 10th), so I love January. But I have also experienced loss in January. So now, I don’t love it as much. One of my first friends (whom we wrote the song, First Friends about), died on Jan. 20th, 2021. He was a nursing supervisor at the hospital where my daughter was born. He had the flu shot the preceding November, and one of the first COVID shots in December (too soon iMHO). He died two weeks later. He was still in school to progress further in his career. The hospital staff did EVERYTHING to save him. He was so loved! They even life flighted him to a second hospital. It did no good. Obviously, for me to tell you all this, it still hurts.

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    1. Oh my goodness, Sheila. Yes. I’m so sorry for your loss and the upcoming anniversary of his passing. Take care of yourself as the 20th approaches. And…belated birthday greetings to you, my friend. ❤️❤️❤️

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  7. Williams clearly had a good deal going on inside himself in light of his unfortunate end. I wonder when he said that? If I learn more I will let you know. Thanks for the provocative subject, and stay warm!

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  8. Oh, January isn’t so bad. Take it on its face value – it’s just another month. My advice is if you want to talk about changing the world or changing yourself, do it when it’s warmer and you can walk around among the new blossoms mulling things over while eating an ice cream cone. Leave January for catching up in Christmas movies you didn’t get to see last month and sipping hot chocolate in front of a fire —with and optional slug of brandy.

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  9. My mother had seasonal depression, but she always resolved it but going for a walk outside. Extreme temperatures, or snow, rain, and sleet didn’t matter. She’d tell me, “I feel better after I walk. So what if I have to carry an umbrella or wear boots?”

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  10. Your sentence resounds: “January is a month that can apply too much pressure.” Truly! The idea of looking behind, then looking ahead with some worry and enthusiasm . The levels of the worry and enthusiasm change from one January to another, and they can change in the days within a January. That’s great advice from Wynne on what to choose next, if we’re stuck 🌞

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  11. I try not to put too much pressure on myself when it comes to January and setting some new goals (which usually include continuing to heal and find ways to grow/seek purpose). I do focus on some (which I shared on my latest post where I reflect on 2024), but this month can definitely feel a bit heavy. I think for me that feeling comes from the natural introspection that typically comes at this time of year, and the releasing of what I need to let go of (which as the month progresses, begins to feel better).

    Very thought-provoking post; thank you for sharing it, and that very profound quotes from Robin Williams and your friend!

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  13. This is so brilliant! Your observation about the infinitesimal difference between comedy tragedy? Wowsa! And your take on the things we carry around – spot on! Thank you for your amazing encouragement to shed them – and be gentle to ourselves in the process. So good! ❤

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  14. “Do the next right thing.” I love that advice! Though I haven’t voiced it as eloquently as Wynne, that has been my immediate response to the election. We can’t control the way other people think, but we can make a difference in our own communities by doing the next right thing.

    Our daughter-in-law is a therapist, and she has voiced the same concerns you have around the holidays when stress levels rise exponentially.

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    1. Thank you, Pete. Yes…I bet I share some of the same concerns as your dear daughter-in-law. Holiday time and January can be challenging and you’re right…election stress is still so palpable. Many of us are still in shock about the outcome. ❤️

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  15. It’s an interesting concept of months we like and don’t like. I look forward to December, being with family, Christmas, etc. But sometimes it’s so busy, I’m grateful for January. This is an excellent line: “The current locale might be far more enticing than the unknown.”

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  16. I really love and miss robin Williams, one of those great human beings, gone way too soon. his quote is spot on. and wynne’s advice is so good to remember and to put it all back in perspective. as a therapist, I can imagine this must be a very challenging time of year for the reasons you’ve listed, but here we go, and we’re rounding the corner to the second half of winter (I consider it over on march 1st, so that’s my own optimist’s math calculation), knowing we are in for our biggest cold snap next week. time to make soup and look ahead –

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    1. Dear Beth…love you! I mean it. Yes and yes. This is a booger of a season for so many and the cold snap and gloomy political climate…and wildfires…and health worries for so many. It’s all compounding, it seems, in January. Thank you for your sweet comment. I’m with you – if we can get to March (even in the Midwest) we’re breathing a little easier and right on, my friend — what better time than now for soothing soup! Big hugs to you…xo! 🥰💕🥰

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  17. He said that in one hour photo. I live that movie. He was pretending to be reading Deepak Chopra to get the mother to notice as he walked away. He told her ‘if she read the thing he said about fear’ found his mark and read that from the book.
    Just watched it 2 nights ago its fresh.

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      2. Anyway later in that movie after his mental break while the investigator is about to question him.
        Robin Williams starts pointing out that he can tell the detective is a good man. Explains how he can tell. Say things he would never see the detective capable of doing. It shows that his character had suffered terribly as a child.
        The movie is absolutely amazing I think.
        Anyway, I have to go back and read the rest of your post Doc. I got excited over the qoute. Haha

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  19. Interesting perspective. My least favourite month is November when the days are getting darker and it’s just so darn dreary. At least in January, we’re getting a little more daylight and there is usually snow and some sunshine. I’ve resumed my daily walks and have definitely noticed a difference in my energy level.

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    1. I love your point about November, Michelle. You’re right — it’s the month that brings diminishing light. And the cold plus sunshine in January can be oh so welcome. Xo! 🥰☀️🥰

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  21. I hear what you’re saying Vickie- but for me, January means a much slower pace, NFL playoff football, and time to catch up on projects. I also love it when it’s very cold and snowy. ❄️🛷

    Hopefully, we can still be friends! 😬😅🤞💚

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  23. I appreciate that I have been given another day, to make the world a better place! I love this quote,”What you think, you become, what you feel you attract, and what you imagine, you create. I’m looking forward to a golden year full of all good things – oh, and I am wishing you the same!!!

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