EMBRACING THE SEASON I’M IN

I want to start by saying that I LOVE summer.  The heatwaves, humidity, dramatic thunderstorms, all of it.  It is my favourite season by a long shot and I crave it year-round. No matter how much I learn to enjoy winter, it will never change how I feel about summer, it's just the best.

I used to (and kind of still do) HATE winter.  It is cold, dry, gloomy and snow and ice make it challenging to get around.  My skin gets really dry in winter, my sinuses are easily agitated and always being cold is just a fact for me.  These things contribute to the misery of winter and cause me to spend the winter months wishing for warmer weather. 

But with this mindset, I'll spend over half of the year wishing the weather was warmer.  Waiting for summer to do fun things, to enjoy life.  This puts a lot of pressure on summer-time because I must make the most of the weather I've been longing for. 

I became aware of my mindset when I started realizing how much I complain about winter.  It's so cold, it's so dry and I'm so miserable were on a constant loop in my mind.  I decided to be proactive and do something about it. 

I found ways to be warmer: extra sweaters & socks, microwave heat packs, hot water bottle and warm drinks.  To make my skin and sinuses less dry: good moisturizing routine, lip balm and humidifier.  And to be less miserable: find fun things to do that are exclusive to winter.

I've made an effort to get outside as much as I can, especially on the nicest winter days (sunshine & low wind are the best days!). I've gone cross-country skiing, skating and snowshoeing (mostly in past winters, because lockdown). When there is fresh snow and an opportunity to walk somewhere, I find joy in trudging through the snow to get there. 

What has changed, aren't just my actions, but truly my thoughts.  I've shifted from a mindset of wishing it was summer and hating winter, to embracing whatever season I'm in.  It's autumn?  Get out for walks to enjoy the changing colours.  Spring?  Notice the new growth, flowers and brightening of colours outside. 

The weather is out of my control, but by focusing on what is in my control (my thoughts & actions) I've been able to enjoy winter and spend less time wishing it was spring-time already.  It's made winter far less miserable and now I'm considering how I may apply this mindset to other "seasons" in life.

What is your least favourite season?  How do you think you could embrace it a little bit more?  Let me know in the comments below!