The importance of being intentional this winter
Halloween and bonfire night have come and gone, the clocks have gone back and the Christmas adverts are on the television. It well and truly feels like winter. It feels like it's dark pretty much all of the time here in Britain at the moment. I'm so glad of all my cheery fairy lights in my living room – fairy lights are not just for Christmas in my house!
Autumn, the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, with its wonderful colourful displays is pretty much over and it’s time to “get through” winter and pray for spring. Well, that used to be my attitude. For the last few years I've committed to an intentional winter. I write a list of the things that I love about the season, the things that I want to experience and savour and work through that as a way of ensuring that I make the most of these cold months rather than just endure them.
Being mindful and having things to plan for, to anticipate and to enjoy helps me engage with the world more when my every instinct wants me to hide away and do as little as possible until spring!
Like everything else about this year this list is going to look a little different. All the more reason to write it as I think it’s more important than ever this year to focus on what I can do rather than what I can’t!
My list always begins with all the things I love about Christmas. The lights, decorations, carols, cards, presents, food, seeing family and friends, singing at carol services, midnight Mass, mulled wine, watching Christmas movies, reading Christmassy books – the list goes on!
I’ve had to get my head around the fact that there will be no singing of carols in church this year. No choir rehearsals. Virtual Mass rather than attending in person.
Christmas day is likely to be me and mum rather than extended family. But, I give thanks for that as Easter was spent completely alone. Support bubbles hadn’t been introduced and mum and I were each alone for Easter. We live in a tier three area so our movements are limited and I would be extremely surprised if that changes before Christmas.
My eight-year-old nephew is missing us terribly but every now and again he tells my sister how much he misses us but he’s so glad we have each other and aren’t alone. He has the right idea. Giving thanks for what we do have rather than focusing on what is missing.
So this is my list for an intentional winter. A list all about self-care and self-love to nourish and support myself through these dark months.
Decorating the house for Christmas.
Reading Christmas themed books in December.
A day over Christmas devoted to reading and listening to Christmas music and nothing else at all. (My idea of heaven!)
Decorating for winter and making the house as cosy as possible after I put the Christmas decorations away.
A winter walk in the nature reserve.
Enjoying wrapping up in hats, scarves and gloves!
Wearing sequins in January and February (sequins are not just for Christmas or indeed for leaving the house!!!)
Appreciating the first signs of snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils.
Learning to cook a new seasonal recipe.
Enjoying winter scented candles.
Lots and lots and lots of fairy lights.
I’ll let you know how I get on. My Instagram and Facebook stories are usually the place where I update most regularly on my intentional season progress. If you don’t follow me already the links you need are below.
I encourage all of my clients to be intentional. It's by being so that we're most likely to achieve our goals whether that is a happy and healthy winter, improving our finances or getting a new qualification. Being intentional is so important. Where could being more intentional help you right now? It's worth giving it some thought.
I hope you find this suggestion helpful. I have a free facebook group, Pathways to Possibilities where I share helpful hints and tips like this all of the time and do regular lives to help support you on your journey to confidence, clarity and courage. Click here to join the conversation.
