living by the seasons
My goal to live life to the fullest includes a dedication to living in accordance with the seasons.
Growing up in Georgia I quickly learned to despise the winter season. Something to be withstood and to merely survive. The misery of the cold, frigid winds and ice storms didn’t exactly inspire one to “get outside.” Why bother with the misery?
Utah taught me how winter can be enjoyed. Even relished. Living in the Mountain West gave me the opportunity to truly experience snow and all the magic it offers us. How could anyone resist experiencing life in the “greatest snow on earth?!” Ok, okaaaay! Yes, I have to credit Washington state with my introduction to massive amounts of snow. Buuuuut! It was the heavy, wet kind so you only last so long without also becoming cold, wet, and miserable. Anyhoo, thank you WA state. [Don’t you dare read sarcasm in that. haha]
Now, as I keep moving up in elevation through life, I aim to experience the seasons for what they provide us. Especially since winter is now the longer season in my life, opposite of my childhood filled with long, languid summers. Winter is known as a time to rest, reflect, and admire the beauty found in those two overarching themes. What does a lifestyle lived by the seasons feel like, appear to be, include?
Well, it varies for everyone I imagine. The following are tidbits of how I fill my winter season. Did I mention how into hibernating I am these days? It’s amazing! 10/10 highly recommend. Of course, I realize my privileged life sans kids and acknowledge that affords me more time for selfish endeavors than most adults. Good luck out there teaching your chitlins how to take advantage of this wondrous season!
Ok, now for some snapshots of my fave winter pasttimes (queue The Sound of Music!):
Favorite hibernation activity #3:
Cross Stitching while listening to podcasts.
Favorite hibernation activity #2:
Sipping a hot beverage while curled up reading. Usually while in bed.
Favorite hibernation activity #1:
Eating cookies! (You thought I was going to type baking, didn’t you? Admit it.)
Of course, I enjoy getting out to enjoy the white, fluffy stuff too. Crisp air on the face is the best way to beat the winter blues. So it simply admiring the quiet, still beauty emanating from the earth. Here are a few of my favorite ways to do exactly that:
Winter activity #6:
Admire the local snow sculptures
Winter activity #5:
Skijoring. Well, being an impressed observer of such adventurous activities. [sweat emoji]
Winter activity #4:
Learning how to ice skate. Adding a few bruises here and there seems like advancement in skills, right?
Winter activity #3:
Soaking in hot pots with besties!
Winter activity #2:
Walking in a winter wonderland. aka strap on some snowshoes and hike in a serene forest.
Winter activity #1:
Sledding! Again, better with besties.
Notable mentions include newer to me activities that I am currently working towards adding to my winter repertoire:
XC skiing,
downhill skiing, and
not dying while performing the above activities.
A final note: I’ve also begun to celebrate the Winter Solstice with my Moon Sisters. It’s a lovely way to stay connected and appreciate the winter season in a new light. To capture the grand and glorious way life lived according to the seasons can fulfill our souls. I wish for you to also find the joy, peace, adventures, and comforts that can be found during this season.
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How do you Winter?
Anything you would like to add to the list?
What ways do you enjoy resting and reflecting throughout this season?
❄️