Hi Friend,
I’ve been paying close attention to the conversations I’ve been having lately. With my clients. With my friends. With myself.
Let’s be honest: the first few weeks of the year have been non-stop.
There is a collective weariness in a world that feels less predictable, less stable, less humane, and in many cases, less safe.
One theme that is coming through loud and clear is that people are distressed to find they are moving slower than usual at the start of this year.
Instead of the usual enthusiasm for the new – new year, new budgets, new goals – they are regrouping, reflecting, and “wintering.” It is unfamiliar and uncomfortable to not feel like they are in a groove by the second week in February.
The term “wintering” was popularized by author Katherine May in her book Wintering and represents a necessary period of rest, reflection and retreat from the “growing” seasons of life.
By acknowledging the ebb and flow of life and our need for a “winter”, we are embracing – rather than fighting – against the cold, dark seasons that are natural and normal and human.
May teaches us that by pausing and nurturing ourselves, we can find meaning and important preparation for whatever lies ahead.
What a powerful perspective shift in a culture where we are told to always.keep.pushing.
If you’ve been with me a while, you know I often turn to poetry for inspiration, guidance, support, and clarity. I reached for this poem and let it’s message move me:
So in honor of our collective “wintering” here are some of the permissions I’ve been giving – both to myself and my clients:
📝 Simplify the to-do list…
🙅🏻♀️ Hold the boundaries…
🤔 Focus on what is essential…
🧘🏼♀️ Don’t rush & trust the pace of life.
What about you?
Has your wise self encouraged you to slow down, pause, or reflect?
Or maybe you found yourself thinking I really should have my act together….
Or maybe, I’m behind where I want to be…
Or even, I’m not happy with…..
You aren’t alone.
What if you could reframe this season as an opportunity to nurture and rest?
What if – instead of pushing against this natural cycle that every living thing experiences – rest then growth – you embraced it?
What if you give yourself compassion knowing that you are right on time?
Because really: once you’ve had a nurturing pause, you can have that “fresh start” any time you like.
(And if you do like the celebration of a New Year, the Chinese New Year begins on Feb. 17! 🎇 🇨🇳 🐎)
[FIRSTNAME], hear me: the pause is essential. And at any moment you can begin again.
Pausing to rest and nurture and reflect are just as important as continuous action. Maybe more so.
When you are rested and ready, you will have the power to look at yourself and your circumstances, take a deep, loving breath, and begin again.
So just because it is a Wednesday, or the second month of the year, doesn’t mean you can’t begin again. You can. You are right on time.
Things might look different than you imagined. That’s why you must take care of yourself with compassion.
With love,
Jenny
