Let’s be clear right out the gate:
The week after New Year is fake.
It’s a polite suggestion at best. A grace period the universe gives us before reality comes back asking for deliverables.

This is the week where:

• Nobody knows what day it is

• “Happy New Year!” feels slightly threatening

• And logging back into your email requires emotional preparation

Now let’s talk about the college football playoffs.
Or, as some of us call them, an annual reminder that hope builds character.

There is nothing more Southern than believing this is finally the year, defending your team like it’s a family member, and then sitting quietly on the couch staring at the TV like it personally wronged you.

One minute you’re running scenarios.
Next minute you’re saying, “Well… we’ll be real good next year,” which is Southern for I need a moment.

Some people rang in the New Year with champagne and goals. Others rang it in with:

• Leftovers on a paper plate

• A deep sigh

• And the sudden understanding that joy and disappointment can, in fact, wear the same team colors

January is supposed to be about fresh starts. This week, however, is about survival and lower expectations. We’re not becoming new people yet.  We’re just trying to function and not yell at the television or the inbox.

Meanwhile, the internet is yelling about discipline, routines, and waking up before dawn. And you’re over here feeling accomplished because you:

• Put on real pants

• Answered one email

• Didn’t throw something during the fourth quarter

Growth.

This is also the week where you find a random ornament, a mystery receipt, and a snack you forgot about….and immediately eat it standing up like a raccoon with responsibilities.

Fun Friday exists for weeks like this. No resolutions. No pressure. Just small comforts, deep breaths, and maybe a very subtle assist from the plant kingdom….purely for educational purposes, obviously—to help take the edge off life, sports, and whatever January thinks it’s doing.

You don’t need a new personality.
You don’t need a vision board.
You don’t need to wake up at 5 a.m. unless you enjoy pain.

You showed up.
You stayed loyal.
You survived the holidays and the playoffs.

That’s a win. We’ll count it.

Happy Fun Friday 🤍
— Jam’n