What Did Winter Ever Do To You?

Maybe you just don’t like winter. Maybe you don’t like it so much that you pine away for spring and summer. You loathe the cold, the snow, the ice and having to be out in it for any amount of time. You don’t like the white skies or the look of the bare trees. You long for sunny days, clear skies, and the activities of spring and summer. Perhaps, fall even. So, do you spend the entire winter in a funk? In a bad mood? Being grumpy and ba-hum-bug to everyone? Yes? Oh. Ok.

In my post https://nikkisconfettilife.com/2024/01/16/hygge-hoo-ga/ I define and talk about this “feeling” of Hygge. I know it’s a noun but it’s more of feeling.

“Hygge was never meant to be translated. It was meant to be felt.” ~Tove Maren

The Scandinavians countries have about 4-5 hours of light in the winter. Yet, they are some of the happiest people on the planet and hygge is one of the reasons why and it helps them get through the winter as well. In essence, it’s embracing the day and making it the best day possible everyday. So, if one intentionally or makes a conscious decision that, “You know I really dislike winter but, I am going to try to immerse myself in the day. I am going to try to enjoy the ordinary things and the people and the conversations in my day. I am going to be in the moment or present as I sip hot cocoa with marshmallows as my child tells me about some dinosaur. Maybe I will just lose myself in the moment as I watch snow come down and instead of thinking about the money I am losing from not being at work, think of what I can do inside that I never seem to have time for.” You know. Stuff like that.

Perhaps think of ways that bring you comfort and joy during these months. Think of how you can make yourself and your home cozy. If I knew you disliked winter, I would ask if you’d like some hot tea, cocoa, or coffee. In that moment when you receive the hot beverage, sit down at the table, embrace the feeling of the warm beverage in your hands and the company that is near you. Think of my kindness for asking and fixing it for you. Notice the servitude and thoughtfulness. Feel the thankfulness. It’s the little things. Take pleasures in the little things.

When you come in from the cold and you’re mumbling about the drive and you are removing layers of clothing, do that. But when you get out of your wet, cold clothing, and you put on your fuzzy socks or you sit by the fire or you grab your favorite blanket to warm up, embrace that feeling. When chili or soup is served, or you make that meal, embrace the feeling of how good it is or it’s going to be so yummy and warm to your being.

What are we doing here? We are rewiring our brains to focus on the things that bring us comfort and joy in winter and in life.

~Nikki