January — RENEW

A Gentle Way to Begin the Year

January often arrives with expectation. New goals, fresh starts, pressure to improve — quickly and visibly. But for many people, this intensity becomes overwhelming long before the year truly begins.

This month’s theme, RENEW, offers a steadier alternative.

Renewal is not about erasing the past or reinventing yourself overnight. It is about returning — to what grounds you, to what matters most, and to the version of yourself that deserves patience and care. It is about creating space before creating change.

At the Swiss Benevolent Society, we see time and again that wellbeing grows best when people are supported, not rushed. January is not a deadline. It is an invitation.

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Intention Over Resolution

This month’s prompt is intentionally simple:
Write one small intention for the year.

An intention is different from a resolution or a goal.

• A goal focuses on outcomes and achievement.
• An intention focuses on direction and values.

Intentions shape how you move through your days rather than what you must accomplish. They allow room for fluctuating energy, changing circumstances, and real life – without turning every setback into a failure.

Examples of gentle intentions might be:

• I choose steadiness over rushing.
• I choose to care for my energy, not just my responsibilities.
• I choose to respond with kindness – to others and to myself.

An intention is something you can return to – even after a pause, even after a difficult week.

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Clearing Mental Space

Every beginning is a chance to choose again — to grow from what was and start with purpose — clearing mental space and choosing what matters most for the year ahead.

The theme with have chosen for January reminds us that renewal begins with clearing mental space, not filling every moment with plans.

Before setting new expectations, try this:

1. Write down what last year demanded of you – roles, worries, habits, pressures.
2. Circle one thing you are ready to loosen your grip on.
3. Beneath it, write your intention for the year.

This small exercise often brings clarity. It helps you choose what truly matters – rather than reacting to everything at once.

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What Renewal Looks Like in Real Life

Renewal is rarely dramatic. More often, it shows up quietly.

It might look like someone deciding to start their mornings more calmly — even if only once or twice a week.
Or a student choosing consistency over perfection.
Or someone later in life allowing themselves to slow down without guilt.

These small choices accumulate. Over time, they restore confidence, agency, and a sense of direction. This is how steady progress begins.

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Gentle Practices for January

Here are a few simple ways to support renewal this month:

• Write your intention somewhere visible — in your calendar, diary, or on your fridge.
• Check in weekly, not daily — ask yourself: Did I broadly live in line with my intention?
• Begin again without judgement — renewal is a practice, not a performance.

There is no perfect start. There is only the next kind step.

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📚 This Month’s Good Reads

These reading suggestions are designed to support reflection and renewal — and will also be featured throughout the month on our social channels.

Atomic Habits – James Clear

Best for: Students, working adults, anyone rebuilding routines
A practical, accessible guide to how small, consistent actions shape long-term change. Ideal for readers who want progress without pressure.
🔗 https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits-summary

Four Thousand Weeks – Oliver Burkeman

Best for: Parents, professionals, anyone feeling time-pressured
A grounding reflection on time, productivity, and letting go of unrealistic expectations. Particularly helpful if January feels heavy rather than hopeful.
🔗 https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/433471/four-thousand-weeks-by-burkeman-oliver/9781784704001

Ikigai – Héctor García & Francesc Miralles

Best for: Pensioners, people in transition, reflective readers
A gentle exploration of purpose, meaning, and longevity — encouraging a slower, more intentional approach to life.
🔗 https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/434703/ikigai-by-miralles-hector-garcia-and-francesc/9781786330895

📖 Prefer to borrow instead of buy?
Search for free copies at your local library via:
👉 https://www.worldcat.org

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Walking the Year Together

This is the first of twelve monthly reflections inspired by the SBS Wall Calendar. Each month, we’ll explore one theme — offering insight, encouragement, and practical tools to support wellbeing throughout the year.

Wherever you are starting from, renewal is possible.
Not because everything changes at once — but because you choose again.

Be kind to yourself.
And carry on.

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Join Our 2026 SBS Year of Steady Progress

This journey continues through our monthly blog, where each theme will come to life with practical insights, reflections, and coaching tools to help you stay steady through the year.

Accessing the Calendar

To ensure everyone in our community can take part, we have made the full PDF version of the SBS 2026 Wall Calendar available to download for free on our website.

If you would prefer a hardcopy, you are very welcome to contact our office. We will be happy to post one to you. We currently have a limited number of printed copies remaining, available on a first-come, first-served basis; in return, we would gratefully appreciate a Donation of any amount. As always, 100% of proceeds go directly back into the SBS Welfare Fund, supporting Swiss nationals in the UK who need us most.

👉 Download the PDF: SBS 2026 Calendar A4
👉 Request a hardcopy: info@swissbenevolent.org.uk

• Renewal Begins with One Intentional Step
• In Remembrance and Solidarity with Crans-Montana
• A Gentle Start to a Year of Steady Progress
• Closing the Year 2025 with Gratitude: A Message from Our Chairman & Board of Trustees
• Our Winter Office Pause & Where to Find Support

About the Swiss Benevolent Society

The Swiss Benevolent Society exists to support Swiss nationals in the UK through times of change, challenge, and transition. Our work is grounded in dignity, compassion, and the belief in self-reliance — offering practical help while empowering individuals and families to regain stability and confidence. If you or someone you know may need support, you can learn more about how we help and how to get in touch through our Welfare Office. If you share our values and would like to be part of our community, we welcome you to become a member and stay connected with our work. And if you are able, donations — of any size — help us continue providing vital assistance; every contribution goes directly back into our welfare programmes.

Stay Connected

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Subscribe to our newsletter to receive each month’s theme directly in your inbox.

If you are able, donations help sustain our welfare work and ensure we can continue supporting Swiss nationals in the UK. Every contribution makes a difference.