On Groundhog’s Day this year, Punxsutawney Phil, the meteorologist groundhog came out from his burrow and saw his shadow. Winter was to last another six weeks.
Winter has long been a challenge for me. I grew up among the evergreen forests of the Pacific Northwest. After moving with my family to the deciduous-garbed Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina, my spirits sink a little after the fall colors drop.
There’s something challenging about seeing barren trees everywhere I look.
While listening to a podcast recently, I was introduced to the concept of wintering, and the book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times.
The author, Katherine May, shares, “we need to learn to accept and even welcome our winters, because they’re a crucial part of our humanity. Wintering is how wisdom is made, and every time we winter, we grow in resilience and compassion, and we deepen our capacity for joy.”
Winter is more dormant, a time for rest, a time for healing and development that happens beneath the surface, away from what we normally see. Gaining more appreciation for the benefits of winter has made the season easier and more enjoyable.
Still, my spirits rise as the first signs of spring begin to appear. The yellow daffodils, the pink buds of the pear trees, and the spray of white blossoms on the dogwood trees all help to lift my spirits.
The world is waking up and showing its colors.
With the coming spring, I feel more of a spring in my step.
There’s a similar cycle with our seasons of prosperity. Each month, as I move between income generation and paying bills, I see a flow as my cash on hand increases only to be followed by the cash going out to pay bills.
Sometimes, I get caught up in the feelings of the winter blues, not wanting to let the prosperity I enjoy go out. I enjoy the experience more, though, when I let the seasons of prosperity flow naturally.
This is especially true, the more care, attention, and gratitude I bring to the current season of prosperity. Whether prosperity is emerging like spring flowers, or diminishing like the last leaf in winter, there is a beauty to the season. One that we can enjoy and enhance through our care and attention.
Shine brightly!
Stef (xe/xem)
Golden Nuggets
Golden Word: blossom from Proto-Indo-European *bhlow-, extended form of root *bhel- “to thrive, bloom.” Example: Their tender care and vigilant attention helped the project blossom.
Golden Quote: The deep roots never doubt spring will come. – Marty Rubin
Golden Speech: How to fix the exhausted brain (Full 18:22 | Clip 16 sec) Brady Wilson helps companies such as American Express to unlock the latent physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energy within their organizations
Golden Statistic: The brain shrinks by 13 percent in preparation for winter and regrows by 10 percent in spring. (Discover)
Golden Term: neuroeconomics, a rapidly emerging field that focuses on how the brain assesses possible outcomes to make choices. (APA)
Golden Tip: Use nature as a guide to prosperity. Let go and look forward.
Golden Question: How are you welcoming a new season of prosperity?