Tag Archives: hibernation

Light In The Darkness

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Everyone complains about the time change. Occasionally the politicians will come at it with threats of abolishing it and social media is clogged with people complaining about the early sunsets and dark mornings. But, ya’ll, I have been looking forward to this moment since we sprung forward in the spring.

Hear me out. 

First of all, I feel better and and sleep well in the winter. This feels like the natural time for me. 

The time change and the winter season are a part of nature and the rhythm of the year. It’s important to humans to have this period of rest and calm. It’s not punishment. It’s an opportunity to focus your attention inward, toward your body, mind, spirit and home. 

Look to nature in the winter. Nearly everything in nature lets go of what it doesn’t need and enters a period of rest. And why not? It’s cold outside and often gloomy where I live. There are nice days perfect for outdoor fun but the long nights are perfect for doing things you don’t make time to do when the days are long and you feel compelled to stay busy. 

Long, sunny days make you feel bad for going to bed early even when you need rest. Long days force you to devote endless hours to lawn care. Summer days make you feel like you should be out  running from one activity to another. 

Winter means there’s time to make soup and settle in with those movies you’ve been meaning to watch. Winter means you have time to work on your hobbies or maybe try a new one. Long nights mean you can organize your closet, make some comfort food and turn on the fairy lights as you feather your nest. 

Winter means there’s time for self care and for introspection. It means that calm and rest can be a priority if you allow it.

If you have been diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder I hope you will seek ways to make the winter more bearable and maybe someday you can find some relief and even a way to enjoy it. 

As for me, I am so excited to dive into my quiet winter life. It’s hard to describe what it means to have license to embrace this season of respite, to reset, recharge, rejuvenate and realign my  intentions.

Enjoy this season and find delight in what you think you don’t enjoy.

Around Here

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Around here, it has been cold and snowy. I have been enjoying hibernation, trying to balance relaxation with tending to my own health and wellness.

I have been taking the easy way out where dinner is concerned. This bag of stir fry is a step up from the egg sandwich and fistful of chocolate I would rather be eating when I’m cold and tired.

This book has been keeping my mind engaged.

As always, Scout keeps me on my toes.

I joined in a free art history webinar the other day and got a nice overview of the progression of early art through the Impressionists who happen to be my favorite artists.

This is a famous Claude Monet painting that I was lucky to see in Washington DC last year.

The webinar instructor had a down to earth approach to art and a wonderful ability to simplify big topics. If I had hundreds of extra dollars I would sign up for a paying course she offers on the Impressionists. She gave voice to what I have long felt but didn’t understand about these lovely works of art. I’ll talk about that another day.

For now, I’m trying to find a balance between work and home, self care and doing as I please, healthy skepticism and unhealthy mental ruts.

Winter is a time of hibernation. We recede into our homes as animals take to their dens. Even the hardiest of plants conserve their energy and rest in anticipation of brighter days ahead. Aside from a few walks, I have been happily hibernating and wondering what kind of rebirth might accompany the arrival of spring.

Around here, life is pretty good these days

No Spend January

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January is a special month for me and I have come to look forward to it. This is the start of a slower period and one where I intentionally keep things quiet.

You see, I do a No Spend Challenge where I intentionally stop spending money, stay home, use what I have and focus on being happy in the world I have created here. It’s a type of winter hibernation and I savor these quiet, cozy days at home.

How does it work? I’m so glad you asked.

First off, I pay my bills and buy needs. This should go without saying but you have to pay your bills, put gas in the car and buy food to eat.

That’s about the extent of it.

During most of the year, I don’t typically eat out a lot. It’s mostly when I’m traveling for work or on adventure days. My biggest weakness is buying books, accessories and bargains at TJ Maxx. Another weakness is at the grocery store. I like having lots of fresh produce and tend to shop sales to stock up on pantry items.

That said, compared to most people, I live frugally and without a ton of waste. In fact, I live this way so I can afford to travel and to do the things I enjoy.

During my no spend months, I question every purchase. I don’t buy a candy bar without questioning motivation and need. You may find it shocking to realize how many things you consider buying in a month when you say that you can’t buy anything.

I know people who spend five or ten dollars a day just on snacks and drinks while they’re at work or commuting. That’s upwards of a hundred dollars every month and way more than I spend on car insurance for a month. Is a snack really worth more than a grand a year?

I’m going to say no. Yet these very same people often complain that they have no money and make snide remarks about how it must be nice to travel so much.

There are some exceptions to the no spend rule. For example, genuine need shouldn’t be ignored. If you work in an office environment and break the heal on your dress shoes, you’ll either need to repair or replace them. But first, shop your own closet to see if you have something appropriate to use for a while.

If I’m traveling for work and can’t pack a lunch, you bet I’ll eat out. If the car needs a repair, that’s important too.

Instead of going on adventures and spending money on museums or movie tickets, I spend my Saturdays at home. This gives me a chance to sleep in, to work on my hobbies, have a movie marathon, dive into a book or take a walk. I focus on getting things done at home and doing things I enjoy.

I shop my pantry and freezer to experiment and create meals. Instead of buying a package of cookies, I make homemade cookies or muffins with pantry ingredients. I also usually make a few kinds of soup that I can freeze in two serving containers so I don’t feel the need to buy canned soup.

My grocery trips typically involve produce, eggs and whatever ingredients are needed to fill the gaps.

Whenever I feel the urge to buy something, I make a list of all the stuff I want to buy. I review that list at the end of the challenge and consider two things. Do I still want the thing? How much money did I save by not buying the thing?

After being in the habit of shopping and spending over the holidays, it’s a healthy move for me to say no to spending on extras. It isn’t always easy and sometimes it feels like work. However, it is eye opening to realize how many times a day I say no to buying.

If you’re looking to pay off holiday debt or to save for the adventures ahead, this is a super way to do it.

One more thing. What does it take to waste $10,000 a year? Just $27.40 a day or under $200 a week in unnecessary spending. Think you don’t do that? Maybe you don’t but you might be surprised at how much you do waste.