Now that the seasons have changed and winter is upon us, I find myself asking, am I using these precious moments wisely? Am I taking time to be mindful of the gift that winter is to us? Most recognize winter as a time to be cold, hunker down and wait for the warmth of Spring and Summer to come back into our lives. I, however, look to it for so much more, I know this is a time to be cherished. Somehow this magical season finds a way to defy the hours on the clock and slows time for us. Allowing our bodies much needed restoration from the whiplash we experience when carefree Summer turned into busy autumn schedules.
This season is not just for Christmas sweaters and holiday parties; it is filled with opportunities. Opportunity to bring forth time for rest, reflection and to express our feelings of gratitude. As we transition into this new season, we begin to realize our days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder, and the magic of winter starts to blanket our souls like the first snow of the season silently covers the treetops.
These slower months come with the time we need to spend reflecting on the year we have just experienced. Compiling all the moments in our mind like a movie only played for us. (Oh, just think about all those wonderful memories made and lessons learned). Often it is with this reflection that we find what it is we wish to accomplish in the new year, what worked for us throughout the past year, and what we could stand to change in the coming months.
While we all know it is important to bring rest and reflection into our lives as a healthy act of balance, many of us don’t know when to honor this time. If we listen, Winter tells us; the time is now. With our days ending more abruptly, we feel a pull to spend more time closer to one another indoors, we feel the promise of coziness in the company of those we love reflecting back on the year that was.
As I take the time to reflect, I often find it folds beautifully into warm hearted feelings of gratitude. I let these emotions fill my heart and am reminded that my life is a gift, and those that I get to spend it with are cherished. I try to never miss an opportunity to let someone know how their presence impacted me; as a mother, a daughter, a wife, a friend, or colleague, and I choose to share how grateful I’ve felt to have them with me throughout all the seasons of my life.
I encourage everyone, as we brave the cold winter, to remember to open your hearts and minds to this opportunity for reflection and gratitude. Take the time to figure out what worked best for you in the year, and what needs to be changed. Use this time to share what made your year special with the people around you, share with them fond memories you have, share what it was you loved this past year, and even what you could do without.
Don’t forget every moment, whether good or bad, was what got us here. I ask that all of you take the time to slow yourselves through the hustle and bustle of the holidays and remember to embrace the gift that winter reflection can bring.