Dearest Friend,
It is the middle of winter here and in the mornings when the alarm rings before dawn, stepping out underneath the warmth of the blankets feels like one of the hardest things to do. Putting the kettle on is always the first task of the day. Wrapping both hands around the mug and just to stand there for a moment, soaking in the warmth like it’s the only thing standing between me and the day ahead. Then it’s the usual rhythm: wash my face, brush my teeth, a short workout to shake off the stiffness and finally layering up before heading out the door, ready to face the day.
The garden does not require much work this time of the year. My roses still needs pruning before the month is out, though a few stubborn blooms hang on despite the cold. I am also not doing much around the house, just the basic cleaning and some declutering whenever I am in the mood. There is something about the winter that seems to encourage us to slow down.
It has been a few weeks since I wrote a letter. I had every intention of putting pen to paper, but my heart simply wasn’t ready. The past few weeks have been emotionally difficult as I came to the end of a relationship that meant a great deal to me. Although I knew it was the right decision, that didn’t make it less painful. Some endings leave us with a ache that takes time to settle. I found myself the need to slow down, to be gentle with my heart and to give it the space to grieve.
I want to get my own life back on track. I want to return to the things that bring me peace and joy, caring for my home, looking after my health, spending time in nature (despite the cold), writing, reading and creating a life that is intentional. I know it won’t happen over night. There will still be difficult days, moments of sadness and and times when I miss what was, but I also know that every small choice I make today is a step toward the life I want to build tomorrow.
Maybe this season is not about starting over, but about starting wiser. It is about choosing myself again, not in a selfish way, but in a healthy one. it is about creating a life rooted in gratitude, purpose and hope.
Well, friends, I hope you are all keeping warm if you live in a cold part of the world like I do. Winter has a way of reminding us that every season has its purpose. Stay warm and enjoy the snuggle weather.
With love,
The Whimsical Mailbox