“Life is a constant process of change for better or worse.” ~ Shelly Winters
My first thoughts about Winter always include shorter days, cold temperatures and of course lots of snow. I don’t mind the cold so much and the first fall of snow brings its own beauty. Three and four more storms of the lovely white stuff will try my patience with all the work that comes to navigate the season. It’s on those days, I like to remember to make sure to connect with those I care about, stay warm and cozy wrapped in a blanket and of course some hot chocolate along the way.
Winter is not just about the weather. It is also a season of what I call the winters of life.
The winters of life are many.
The winter of fear and grief. We are living with a pandemic and when you turn on the news, look at all the turmoil in the world, especially Russia right now. Everyone is outraged and living in fear.
The winter of loss. How many people have died in the pandemic from Covid and how many other people have left the world for other reasons and illnesses?
The winter of isolation.
The winter of loneliness
The winter of divorce
The winter of financial hardship
The winter of job loss
The winter of lost opportunity
The winter of anxiety and depression
And any other winters of life you may be experiencing. Not to paint a bleak picture, but we all have winters of life at some point. They are a season. They are not a permanent situation and eventually, “this too shall pass.”
What do you do when you are in the throws of a winter of life?
I believe it is a time to slow down and work our kindness muscles. First to yourself.
Everyone seems to be on edge. Many are frustrated and short tempered. We are angry and mad at the world for so much change going on all at once.
We need to make a shift and remember to be kind. Absolutely everyone you know, and meet is dealing with something. And, of course, some will have it worse than others and some will have it better than others.
A kind word. A random act of kindness. A smile. A moment to listen. A note with words of encouragement or I’m thinking about you.
Kindness never gets old. And with more kindness to each other, the winters of life don’t have to be so awful.
Wishing you kindness to weather your winters of life today and always.
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