I would argue that there are two sides of winter. There’s the holiday cheer part followed by the never ending part, when we’re desperate for spring to arrive. I thought I would share what’s currently saving my life in the never-ending part. Honestly, it’s a different season!
Going Slow
I share some aspects of going slow in a recent blog (read it here). Going slow helps my soul to start dreaming and planning for the new year. Although many would say I’m busy, this season is a perfect time to go slower.
365 Challenge
I have tried to use my camera every day for the last two years and haven’t completed the challenge. This year I have been more intentional to lean into my day and find the magic in it. Whether it’s my son playing legos or my daughter reading, these ordinary things become magic within my lens. Something to savor for a lifetime.
Hosting at home this winter
Summer and fall saw our home in a bit of chaos as we expanded, adding two bedrooms and a bath. Now that our addition is done, having people over has been a highlight for me this winter! Hosting dinners among friends, ladies nights and book clubs gives this extrovert vitality in the middle of my home. Grabbing new recipes to try has also given me new things to try.
The Plan
This book by Kendra Adachi has been a game changer when it comes to managing my time. One of the few books in the genre written by a woman she writes about things women face throughout our day that men just don’t get or include in their books. I’m not done with it yet, but learning a lot about how to be myself in the season I’m in.
Breville Barista Express
I purchased my espresso machine from a friend and absolutely love it! No longer do I have to run out to get a latte on days at home because I can make myself americanos, macchiatos, lattes from the comfort of home. A bonus is that I’ve started making homemade syrups which gives my lattes extra love and goodness. Making my own homemade latte has been a treat this winter.
Back to routines
One thing the holidays do well is dampen the routines and infuse more into a schedule than you can juggle. It’s nice now to be back into the routines of life. While some might see routines as negative, I see how life giving they are in the fact they are things I can count on throughout my day and week. Below are two routines in particular I want to highlight.
Evening reading/Libby App
I’m combining these because they are similar but a little different. As part of my kids’ bedtime routine, my husband has been reading The Chronicles of Narnia to them. This gives them some time to unwind from the day and quality time with their dad. While they read in a bedroom, I get to use the alone time to clean the kitchen or unwind from the day, often listening to a book in the Libby App.
Moving My Body
Who knew how much I would miss exercise but days when I don’t get it done (usually in the morning), I feel off. While yes, being healthy and trimming inches off are incentives to exercise, the biggest for me is I feel happier, healthier. I have a Beach Body account where I can access plenty of programs giving me variety and fun on top of a healthy lifestyle.
So there you have it. Seven things that are saving my life in the bleak of winter when I’m ready for spring.
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