Maybe it’s because I grew up in northern Wisconsin, where snow would linger in the ditches well into May, but winter doesn’t bother me. The shorter days and chilly weather are my built-in excuse for being cozy, quiet and reflective under a pile of blankets with my furry mastiff. 

Winter isn’t for everyone. I get it. The lack of sunshine can take its toll. But there is a special magic to the winter season if you allow yourself to embrace it. Everything in nature uses winter to regenerate, and so can we!

Think of the perennials in your yard. Right now they’re tucked into their cozy flower beds under a blanket of soil, soaking up nutrients, conserving energy and preparing to unfurl once the days get brighter and warmer. Imagine you’re a daffodil!

My favorite part of this season isn’t just my embarrassingly early bedtime, it’s about the time I carve for reflection. This time of year means taking time to review my year and decide what I want to let go of and what I wish to carry forward. 

In his book, “Atomic Habits,” James Clear shares that the process of review and reflection are critical to long-term improvement and sustainable change. So often, we zip from one thing to the next, crossing off our lists, not taking time to celebrate wins and or investigate mis-steps. The winter months give us the perfect opportunity to engage in this critical step. 

The dark, cold months allow us to be still and get curious about what lights us up or drags us down. They give us time to peer down our dark hallways and learn who we are and who we desire to be.

If I’m a daffodil, the process of reflection is my version of soaking up nutrients. It’s about gathering and processing information that allows me to learn, grow and unfurl in the most beautiful way as the days get brighter. 

Embark on your own winter reflection…

1. What were your favorite moments and highlights of the year? What do all those moments have in common?
2. What were you most proud of this year? What did you learn about yourself as a result?
3. What was the most difficult challenge you had to overcome? How did you make it through?
4. What do you wish to leave behind? What will you make more space for in the months ahead?