Winter Beauty
Winter is upon us. This week we experienced our first snowfall of many yet to come. It’s almost mid-November and the cold temperatures are just now settling in as we’ve had an unseasonably warm fall. Somehow that makes it even harder to manage even though we all knew it was coming. Hats, mittens, winter jackets, snow pants and boots will now be with us for the duration. The entry area to my home that so recently was littered with found treasures like acorns and colorful leaves is now cluttered with wet socks and bits of snow brought in by people and pets. And then there’s the darkness. Not only does it get dark early, but the winter days tend to be gray and lacking in color.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD) is a real thing and it affects many during these gray winter months. Symptoms may include depression, fatigue, social withdrawal and a sense of hopelessness. The long, cold days can affect even the most optimistic among us and sometimes the weather itself can create a sense of isolation. Add to that the stress of the holidays and we may find that we or our kids are struggling to manage day-to-day activities like school, work or social commitments.
I choose to live here despite the harsh climate. The beauty of our natural environment from waterfalls to forests to lakes is hard to beat and while summer is amazing, there is beauty in winter as well. Sometimes the beauty is a little more hidden in winter and I need to be more intentional to find it or recognize it. Sunshine can be hard to come by, but when it does appear, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. My pets excel at finding obscure patches of sunlight and I do my best to soak up any bits of sunlight that they’ve discovered. Whenever it’s manageable, being outside can be renewing. I find the outdoors in winter to be very peaceful and the cold air can quickly clear my head. There’s a newness in freshly fallen snow; pristine and untouched. When ice forms on bare branches it’s an impressive sight and the frozen waterfalls are even better.
When the gray skies start to get to me, I find ways to bring color into my home or make a point to find it outdoors. Indoor plants, craft projects, cooking or baking, or any creative activity can add “color” to your environment. I also look to my kids when winter starts to wear on me. They never seem to get tired of making snow people or going sledding; especially if there’s the promise of hot chocolate afterwards.
Finally, there is beauty in connection. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others and find ways to connect despite the weather. Winter is a great time for cozy dinners, watching movies or exploring an indoor space you’ve never visited before. You’ll either find me curled up under a warm blanket with a good book or bundled up for a winter hike. If you hear me start to complain about the cold temperatures or missing mittens or puddles by the door, please gently remind me that we’re all in this together.
