I know that many people dread the winter months. Frosty mornings and dark afternoons. Cold bleak days and seemingly endless nights. What's to like ? More than you think, so let me convince you that the winter months can be your allies.
We are all mesmerised by rainbows but we have come to accept that to get a rainbow we have to put up with the rain first !
No rain, no rainbows.
With this simple principle in mind….
Most of us love spring.
Either for the season itself, and what it represents, or because it is the gateway to summer.Â
And so we need to accept that in order to get to spring we have to live through winter.
Unfortunately this is non negotiable !
The 4 seasons are Earth’s natural cycle and there is nothing we can do about it.
Each season is beautiful in itself and is symbolic of something bigger.
The winter months, being the darkest and coldest time of year, make us want to spend more time indoors and it’s a good time to look inwards as well.
It’s the gentle end of a chapter before a new beginning.
During that time, the Earth is also going through a period of introspection.
Trees are bare, some plants seemingly die down, some lands are barren, some animals hibernate…
Only to come out the other end… brighter, stronger and more beautiful than you remembered...
This is a pattern we can learn from and also emulate.
As you are spending more time at home maybe you can take this opportunity to sort out paperwork, cupboards, your wardrobe etc…
In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice (December 21st), is days away from the end of the calendar year and we should make the most of this symbolism.
It’s the perfect time to look back on the previous 12 months.
Sit down with a steaming hot drink of your choice and make a list of all the big and small wins.
In your relationships, at work, at home, your health etc….
The smallest step in the right direction is to be celebrated.
Gently rewind to January and reflect on the year just passed, with pride and fondness.
Whatever happened to you, this exercise is not about harsh judgements and regrets.
It’s about concentrating on all the valuable lessons you have learnt over the last 365 days.
The tenacity, resilience and resourcefulness you displayed when required.
Also relive the beautiful days spent with your loved ones.
All the good times, however small.
And if you have achieved some life goals and have much to celebrate, then gratitude is in order.
As the rain and lower temperatures transform us into temporary homebodies, which can in turn make us feel more isolated from friends and family, it’s a great time to plan the next 12 months. Just like nature around you is doing.
Take this time to plan your rebirth, your spring.
Who will you be next year ?
What would make you happier, healthier, more confident etc….?
Make plans to achieve your goals or at least move steps closer.
(Avoid New Year resolutions as they are often pressure and stress inducing.)
Book a holiday or a retreat for the forthcoming year and have something exciting to look forward to.
Enroll on a course or take up a new hobby as you have less distractions.
Darker days are a gift from Mother Earth.
It’s your permission to slow down.
Cozy up indoors and look after yourself.
Create a comfortable nook and catch up on your reading.
There is also something magical about coming home from a brisk walk in the cold and warming up with a freshly prepared hot chocolate or a mug of tea.
Long dark days are celebrated in Nordic countries and according to polls, some of the happiest people on the planet live in Scandinavia !
We have all heard about Hygge.
A Danish word describing feelings of coziness and simple pleasures.
Be more Scandinavian !
The winter Solstice may be the longest night of the year but it’s also a turning point.
From December 21st, days get longer, nights shorter, by a few seconds then minutes per day.
So remember that every winter day is a step closer to spring and a metaphorical rainbow !
Everyday that you are here to witness the sun rising and setting, at whatever time of day, is a blessing !
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