I'm not sure if it's because I'm a summer baby, or if it's more from my sensory processing, but I haven't really liked the cold since I was a kid, so winter has always been a bit hard on me. I think in many ways, I appreciate it much more now than I used to, but the dark is still hard for me to grapple with sometimes. As with everything, I'm trying to be gentle with myself through it this year.
Winter can be really hard for me too. I’m more tired than usual and find it difficult to get out of the house before the sun goes down right now.
I think my only difference I’m validating that difficulty, allowing myself to be sluggish when I feel sluggish, and shedding unhelpful expectations.
What practices are helping you appreciate this season a bit more each year? I like that you said you didn’t put your tree up because it just wasn’t what you needed this year; I should have left some of our decor in the bin too because I’m frustrated by my children being children 😅
I think it has mostly been realizing that I just don't need to do everything. I can say no to events and any aspect of the season that isn't serving me or our family. I can stay home and rest and feel good about that. I think it goes back to shedding unhelpful expectations, like you mentioned.
I have really learned to lean into these darker months... historically I always have loved the start of winter and that shift into it but I have to admit that as it goes on, towards February time I am always feeling the wish for warmth and more light. But I love the lessons that winter brings and the call for cosy time at home. I don’t love the cold... well my body doesn’t love it... but with cosy layers and hot water bottles I can tolerate it better. I love what you said about the presence of it as children... I watch my eldest daughter fully embrace all the elements without any negative narratives about it and love seeing her curiosity about the seasons. Xx
The first snow is always so magical, hey? And then by the time everything is crispy and salty and dirty, it’s like nah, you can go away now. I definitely still feel that restlessness to get spring going and we tend to start our seeds too early, but it comes quicker and quicker each year.
I think children just have so much to offer us. It must be healing in some ways to watch her live fully present, no matter the weather ☺️
I'm not sure if it's because I'm a summer baby, or if it's more from my sensory processing, but I haven't really liked the cold since I was a kid, so winter has always been a bit hard on me. I think in many ways, I appreciate it much more now than I used to, but the dark is still hard for me to grapple with sometimes. As with everything, I'm trying to be gentle with myself through it this year.
Winter can be really hard for me too. I’m more tired than usual and find it difficult to get out of the house before the sun goes down right now.
I think my only difference I’m validating that difficulty, allowing myself to be sluggish when I feel sluggish, and shedding unhelpful expectations.
What practices are helping you appreciate this season a bit more each year? I like that you said you didn’t put your tree up because it just wasn’t what you needed this year; I should have left some of our decor in the bin too because I’m frustrated by my children being children 😅
I think it has mostly been realizing that I just don't need to do everything. I can say no to events and any aspect of the season that isn't serving me or our family. I can stay home and rest and feel good about that. I think it goes back to shedding unhelpful expectations, like you mentioned.
Love that. It’s the hard work of leaning in, which doesn’t take discomfort away, but honestly, it brings so much more ease and, with that, joy!
I have really learned to lean into these darker months... historically I always have loved the start of winter and that shift into it but I have to admit that as it goes on, towards February time I am always feeling the wish for warmth and more light. But I love the lessons that winter brings and the call for cosy time at home. I don’t love the cold... well my body doesn’t love it... but with cosy layers and hot water bottles I can tolerate it better. I love what you said about the presence of it as children... I watch my eldest daughter fully embrace all the elements without any negative narratives about it and love seeing her curiosity about the seasons. Xx
The first snow is always so magical, hey? And then by the time everything is crispy and salty and dirty, it’s like nah, you can go away now. I definitely still feel that restlessness to get spring going and we tend to start our seeds too early, but it comes quicker and quicker each year.
I think children just have so much to offer us. It must be healing in some ways to watch her live fully present, no matter the weather ☺️