Forget New Year's Resolutions! Let Mother Nature Be Your Guide
It's easy to get caught up in the daily hustle and forget to prioritize our health.
Happy Winter Solstice! It is the time of the year when everyone reflects on the past year, the holidays, and how quickly another year is ending. This can cause a lot of anxiety that many people don't want to face. But what if we faced it the way Mother Nature does?
Over the past three years, many of us have returned to a simpler lifestyle due to the pandemic. We have found comfort in activities such as baking sourdough bread, working from home, and wearing comfortable clothing. The need for self-care inspired these changes as we all tried to adjust to this new way of life. New Year's Resolutions are being revamped as some turn to nature for answers.
Using the seasons as a framework for personal growth can have numerous benefits. By embracing the changes and opportunities each season brings, individuals can cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement and development. Just as nature experiences cycles of growth, rest, and renewal, so too can we adapt and evolve through the seasons of our lives.
Let’s explore how incorporating a seasonal approach to personal growth can lead to positive transformation and abundant possibilities.
WINTER
Winter often brings thoughts of hibernation, cold temperatures, and frosty landscapes to mind. It’s a season that many people associate with slowing down and staying indoors. However, if we shift our perspective, we can see that winter is a time of immense growth and opportunity. Just like nature, which uses this season to rejuvenate and prepare for the blooming months ahead, we, too, can embrace the winter as a time for personal growth.
Rest & Reflection
The first lesson we can learn from nature during winter is the importance of rest and reflection. Just as plants and trees shed their leaves and go into a deep slumber, we can benefit from taking a step back and reassessing our lives. Winter lasts three months, so there is no rushing into this time of slowing down and prioritizing self-care.
In a world that constantly demands productivity and progress, it can be easy to forget the value of stillness. However, during these moments of stillness, we can gain clarity and insight into our true selves.
In moments of quietness, it is common for us to experience a sense of calmness and tranquility. Amidst the chaos and noise of our daily lives, these moments allow us to pause and reflect.
We can delve into the depths of our thoughts and emotions by detaching ourselves from the outside world's distractions. We can genuinely gain clarity and insight into our true selves during these moments. Through introspection, we can examine our values, beliefs, and desires, allowing us to understand better who we are at our core.
Moreover, the stillness allows us to tune in to our inner voices, recognize our strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas where we need growth and improvement. Thus, embracing these moments of stillness can lead us on a path of self-discovery, helping us navigate life with a more profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Resilience
Winter also teaches us the importance of resilience. Just as nature endures harsh weather conditions and still flourishes, we can learn to withstand life’s challenges. By embracing our difficulties, we can cultivate a resilience that will carry us through any storm. Think of the bare trees standing tall despite the bitter cold winds that whip around them. They remind us that we can find strength within ourselves even in the most challenging times.
Additionally, winter teaches us the beauty of patience. As gardeners know, the growth of a plant takes time. Seeds are sown, care is given, and eventually, beautiful blossoms emerge. Similarly, the growth and progress in our lives require patience.
While rushing the process and striving for instant results may be tempting, we must remember that genuine growth comes from patience and persistence. Like the spring blooms that follow the winter cold, our efforts will eventually bear fruit if we trust the process.
Power of Nurturing
Winter also reminds us of the power of nurturing. Just as gardeners provide nourishment and protection to their plants, we must nourish and care for ourselves. This means taking time for self-care, engaging in activities we enjoy, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences. By nurturing ourselves, we create an environment for personal growth to flourish.
It's easy to get caught up in the daily hustle and forget to prioritize our health. Whether skipping meals, not getting enough sleep, overworking ourselves, or neglecting our mental health, the consequences of not caring for our physical and emotional well-being can quickly catch up with us.
By reflecting on our past experiences, we can learn from our mistakes and consciously prioritize self-care moving forward. This can involve setting boundaries, taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support when necessary. By prioritizing our health and well-being, we can improve our quality of life and better handle the stressors that come our way.
So, this winter, let’s shift our perspective and embrace the lessons that nature has to offer. Let us use this season for reflection, resilience, patience, and nurturing. Just as the world around us prepares for the beauty of spring, let us prepare ourselves for our growth and blooming. Remember, challenges are not obstacles; they are stepping stones on the path to personal development. Embrace the winter and let Mother Nature be your guide.
Deborah Holmén’s book, It Takes A Lot of Sh*t to Grow Beautiful Flowers: A Gardener’s Guide to Life coming soon to bookstores near you!