As Andrew Wyeth said, “I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the structure of the landscape – the loneliness of it, the dead feel of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn’t show.”
Wyeth was a well known 20th century American painter whose work is easily recognizable. Empty rooms, a lone man walking, a solitary woman in a field, a cat staring into the distance: this is a man who understood loneliness and the power of being alone. His stark landscapes tell the story of a powerful natural world and what lies beneath the earth and the bare trees.
My photo above is just a snapshot of a place I sometimes walk but I think he would approve of this place and especially that day when it was so cold and barren. Something in the air that day seemed to promise that there is life within, waiting for the right moment to turn outward and prove it isn’t really dead.
I appreciate this time of year for the stark beauty, for the truth in the structure of the landscape, and for the promise of what’s ahead.
If we could hold onto this for a while, I would be quite happy. Seeing the world come to life again as winter gives way to spring is gratifying but that period of rebirth and rejuvenation never lasts long where I live. By the first of June I’ll be sweating, mad because summer clothes are so ugly and marking off the days until October. Still, I’ll choose to find the good and to adapt my activities around the humidity for maximum happiness in that season.
For now though, I celebrate what others deem ugly. I luxuriate in a season many find depressing. I am grateful for this odd thing that allows me to be happy and comfortable with what others find intolerable.
Fellow adventurers, I encourage you to stand outside and allow your eyes to seek out something promising about the landscape which you have been taught is ugly. If you can find beauty and joy in winter, odds are your ability to process other harsh days will be much stronger.
The cold snap finally snapped here in southern Ohio and yesterday’s high reached a balmy 40 degrees. It was still chilly though when I fed the birds in the morning, sliding a little on the glassy snow. Just before venturing out, I had cuddled up in bed in my new blue bedroom with the book “The Long Winter” by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I came back inside to make a hearty breakfast hash that would keep me full for hours.
I intentionally chose this Little House On The Prairie book for this week because I thought the hardships experienced by the Ingalls family and the fine folks of Walnut Grove would help to put into perspective the inconveniences I have been facing because of the cold and snow.
It tells the tale of one particularly harsh winter where a series of blizzards over several months left trains immobilized, houses buried up to their rooftops and families in dire need of coal for warmth and cooking. Folks in prospector shanties have snow blowing in through the walls and tar paper roofs peeling off in the wind. The Ingalls family have moved to town where they’re sealed up tight but they still run out of supplies, twisting hay into sticks to burn for warmth and cooking as they watch their supply of potatoes and wheat dwindle down to nearly nothing.
They are hungry and cold. Their hands are raw from twisting hay and grinding wheat for loaves of bread that are stretched into meager meals. When the kerosene runs low, they go to bed early. When the wind howls, they entertain themselves by singing. When things seem so impossibly dark they may not survive, they keep going with hope that the spring thaw will come early and allow a train full of food to make it before people actually starve to death.
Most people I know have nice, warm homes that can withstand the wind and cold. No one wants to pay the high heating bills but we find a way. We have plenty to eat and brave folks out there who plow the roads so we can make it to the store to buy the things we need for survival. We even have sturdy, enclosed vehicles to get us around. Some have four wheel drive vehicles. I just have a nice little car that handles well and the heated seats have kept me comfortable even on the days when the thermometer has topped out below zero.
People like me don’t know what it means to truly do without or to suffer because of the weather. Of course, that hasn’t stopped folks from complaining.
Drive a few hours south to the mountains of western North Carolina and you learn how quickly things can change even for modern folk with some resources. People who have lived in these mountains for generations lost everything in a hurricane, the likes of which they had never seen. You know, life in Appalachia has never been easy but a catastrophic hurricane has made these mountains unlivable for so many people.
The 24 hour news cycle has no time to tell you about the suffering down there because they’re too busy chasing the next lucrative tale that will get clicks rather than the ones that need told. But there are people living in tents and campers not rated for cold temperatures in an area known for harsh winters. They’re hungry, cold and tired. They’re demoralized because they have so few resources and choices of their own.They’re at the mercy of strangers and what donations they receive.
It’s heartbreaking and frustrating. It’s shameful that we have such short attention spans that we can’t be bothered to care about people suffering in more than one place at a time. It’s shameful how far we have fallen as a civilization that our fellow Americans in need will just continue to suffer with little acknowledgement.
And others who are rich with resources – heat, a roof and four walls, plenty of food and the comfort of home – will continue to whine about some snow flurries and cold.
Personally, I will continue to do what I can to reduce my own energy consumption and will continue to be glad for the home in have. I will be grateful for the pantry full of food and the warmth generated by a casserole in the oven and all the entertainment and comforts provided by this sanctuary I call home.
If you remember nothing else, here are three takeaways to consider:
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder is much different than the tv show but well worth your time. It goes a long way to put things into perspective for a modern human who needs to remember the hardships of those who came before us.
There are Americans who are suffering at this very moment. They are invisible and ignored but badly need help. This isn’t a drill. History will judge us harshly for how we have handled this catastrophe and others to come.
If you have a roof over your head, plenty to eat, a reliable income and a place to call your own, I hope you will consider incorporating a practice of gratitude into your daily habits.
I witnessed something lovely in my community this week. Volunteers enlisted others and pooled resources to open a warming station in our county seat. People were given a judgement free place to warm up, enjoy a good meal and be entertained. Some spent the night. I think others just came for the food and fellowship, a kind of warmth that is stronger than the cold. In the process, volunteers met some folks in need of more help than could be provided by a warming station and got them some assistance.
There are currently programs around the U.S. to help pay winter heating bills and places like food pantries to help folks supplement their groceries. If you or someone you know is in need, I hope you’ll consider accepting assistance to make your life easier.
A trademark of January around here is the unusual amount of piles that are waiting to be dealt with. Piles, piles everywhere! While it’s part of the process, it’s pretty annoying.
This is not how I enjoy living.
Decluttering is one of the most amazing things I do in winter but, my goodness! What a process. There are piles of bags and boxes to be donated on Friday. There are piles of items for the recycling later this week when it’s a little warmer. I have to take my recycling to a place in town so I don’t really want to lug it all around when it’s below zero. There are piles of trash bags to go. There are things to be returned to the store. There are piles of books to be donated to the little free library down the road.
Then there are the piles of things that stay. Piles of recipes to try or toss. Piles of books to be read. Piles of puzzles waiting to be pieced together. Piles of papers waiting to be sorted. Piles of bits and pieces of ingredients waiting to be turned into something good. Piles of literature for trip planning.
So many piles. So much to do. So much that I truly don’t want to deal with. Ha!
BUT I do feel incredibly accomplished as I can tell you that I have decluttered over 150 items so far during this No Spend Challenge and I still have a ton left to do. That feels pretty darn good!
So I’ll take the trash out tomorrow and get the recycling, donations and returns out the door asap. Tomorrow I will try a new recipe and maybe start a puzzle or begin planning a trip.
Or maybe I’ll resume decluttering and make more messes! Are you decluttering or spring cleaning this month?
Remember, fellow adventurers, these cold winter days are the best time to get your housework caught up. You want to be free to set out on those trips, hikes and fun adventures as soon as the weather improves. So let’s get it done!
It’s a gloomy day here in southern Ohio. Most of my snow is gone and there’s fog setting the scene for a perfect day to stay inside and cozy.
I’ll be indoors but maybe not so cozy. I have to face the consequences of decisions made yesterday when I decided that it was time to paint my bedroom. It’s about half done and I can finish most of it on my own. Adam asked to help when he learned what I was doing so I’m going to ask him to take care of the highest part of one tall wall. A ladder and long arms will come in handy for that section.
Meanwhile, I’m thinking of all the first responders and folks who have no choice but to go out this morning. It sounds like black ice is wreaking havoc all around.
Yes, I still have up a tree as the photo illustrates. This tree features white lights, woodland creatures and other things hallmark of winter rather than Christmas. I’m glad for the pretty lights reflecting in the window this morning.
My furnace is getting a break today since it’s warmer but we are expecting a steep dip in temperatures like much of the nation. I worry for people who can’t afford their heating bill, for homeless folks, and especially for those in North Carolina who are still living in tents after a hurricane devastated areas that should never see a hurricane.
I’m grateful for my circumstances and hope you are as fortunate as I am.
The very best thing about January is that it’s the month of my annual No Spend Challenge. I started this tradition back in 2018 and look forward to it every year. While it started in 2018 as only a way to save money, it has evolved to be something more enriching. It is still about not spending but it’s also about better understanding my values, resetting how I spend my time, and perfecting a form of self care.
What is a No Spend Challenge? Well, that’s up to you. That’s because you make your own rules and set your own priorities. Here are mine:
I pay my bills.
I buy gas for the car.
I buy grocery, personal care and cleaning products that I need.
I stop eating out unless necessary. Sometimes I travel during my workday and lunch with colleagues is an allowed expense. Fast food because I’m too lazy to cook is not allowed.
Every other bit of spending must be assessed. If I break the heel on my favorite work shoes, I’ll shop my closet before going to the store. There will be a decent pair of shoes in there even if they aren’t my favorites. If I blow out a tire on my car, I have it replaced. My car is how I get to work and, in a rural area with no public transit, this is vital to my ability to keep my job.
This isn’t a license to be cheap. If someone is collecting cash for a coworker in need, I still give. If I eat in a restaurant, I still tip my server.
I try to make it fun!
So those are the ground rules but there’s a lot more to a No Spend Challenge than just the rules. You see, when I’m not out adventuring and spending idle time shopping, I suddenly have more free time and I spend most of it hibernating at home.
Here are some things that happen:
Less Online Time – I practice hobbies, read, declutter, clean and rest more. I purposefully walk away from my phone as much as possible given that I manage social media for work. I worry sometimes about what screen time is doing to my brain and attention span and how it will impact our society as more people exhibit signs of addiction. I still spend time on social media, googling random questions and playing in Pinterest but try to do it more mindfully.
Cook More – When I cook more, I tend to eat better. Plus, I’m using up things that might be languishing in the back of the cupboard. I went through my pantry the other day and pulled out a handful of things that are nearing their best buy date. Some canned apples will soon be apple cobbler. That’s hardly health food but I can make it with healthful ingredients and really, what’s better than a fresh baked goodie in winter? A bottle of salad dressing will make a great marinade for some roasted veggies and potatoes.
Waste Less – I am not a wasteful person but I’m more alert to potential waste during these challenges. For example, I will scan the fridge every day for things that need used or frozen. I keep a bag in the freezer for odds and ends of peppers, onions and mushrooms because this combo is my favorite in omelettes, quiche, homemade pizza and pasta dishes. Leftovers often get frozen for future enjoyment and I’m better at using what I have rather than stopping at the store for something better.
Use Up Stray Stuff – This may sound nuts but sometimes my hair gets tired of the shampoo I’m using. It’s like it no longer feels clean or it feels flat. So I switch to something else and put the other bottle away for later. But later never comes because I end up forgetting about it and buying something else. How many half used products do you own like lotions or random hair products? I shop these on-hand products more carefully before buying new.
Declutter– On a related note, I tend to declutter more in January. This year, my January goal is to declutter 100 items that I no longer need. Nothing makes you want to stop shopping quite like dealing with the massive amounts of stuff you have that you don’t need. It’s especially sobering when you realize how much you spent on that item you no longer like.
Practice Gratitude – On a related note, nothing makes you appreciate what you have quite like a No Spend Challenge. If you are satisfied and at peace with all that you have, you are less likely to want more stuff. I try to set aside time each day to stop and think about the many abundances my life provides.
Do Things You Enjoy – Every December, I begin making a list of things to do during my No Spend Month. My list includes hobbies, hiking, a chat with a friend, decluttering, movie day at home, planning a summer trip, making a new recipe, writing a short story, playing with my cat, exercise, putting together a puzzle, and rearranging things I already own to freshen up my home. My list is extremely home based and solitary because that’s how I roll. Your list might include free events at the library or hosting friends for a potluck and game night. There may be free activities in your community to get you out of the house. My list currently includes 71 activities that I enjoy.
Rest – Cutting out the extras and staying home creates more time for things that matter. For me, rest is extremely important. I don’t always sleep well and my body naturally makes me feel unrested even when it should feel good (thanks to my thyroid for this fun trick). In the winter when I’m stressing over a work project and fearful of all the bugs and germs people are passing around, I like to prioritize sleep. It’s good for you!
Build Better Habits – Ideally you won’t reach the end of your challenge and run wildly back to your pre-challenge lifestyle. I like to build better habits that will at least carry me through the season. For example, free activities, cooking at home, embracing the darkness for an earlier bedtime, creating a more healthful schedule, reading and avoiding things designed to create lifestyle dissatisfaction will make my life better.
Some years, my challenge will bleed into February. One year I made it to March 31! For the last couple of years, I have kept going through February with some modifications to accommodate an exception. This year, I would like to ensure that my better habits carry me through March. Maybe then I’ll reassess how to retool those habits to accommodate the rest of the year when I tend to be outward bound, seeking adventure and fun anytime I can. There has to be some balance!
While it’s important to make your own rules, it’s equally important to remember that there is no room for negativity and deprivation during this challenge. Unless it was in the first year, I don’t think I have ever been upset because I can’t buy something or go do what I want to do. Instead of thinking about what I can’t have or do, I focus on all that I already have and the excess room there is to enjoy it.
My challenge is different than others because I built it to suit my own tastes and boundaries, needs and interests. It’s easier for me because I don’t have a spouse and kids who don’t buy in to the idea. It’s easier for me because I genuinely believe it’s vital for human beings to embrace the winter season and that quiet time at home is as good for me as hibernation is good for the animals. The earth puts herself to bed for a reason and so should we.
So much of what I have touched on here is just a 10,000 foot view of my No Spend Challenge. I hope to take a deep dive into a few of these topics to help you make sense of them and perhaps find inspiration to do your own challenge. And if you’re not digging the concept, you still might find some inspiration for your own daily life!
I know people for whom every day is a No Spend Day because they don’t have money to spare. I know others who should be doing this because their spending habits are out of control. For many of us, the holiday season was expensive and there were demands on our time and money at every turn. This is a terrific way to reset your relationship with money, to reset how you spend your time and to just slow down your life to a more relaxing pace.
Want to know more? Ask your questions and I’ll try to answer them!
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.
