Right now I'm re-reading a book about "wintering." If you know me, you know I'm a fan of re-reading books as I always discover new things each time. So here I am reading about wintering again this winter.
If you are not familiar, "wintering" is the idea of finding nurturing ways to thrive in hard times from the book called “Wintering – The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Seasons” by Katherine May. I loved the book, but here’s a quote that stayed with me long after I turned the last page:
“When I started feeling the drag of winter, I began to treat myself like a favoured child: with kindness and love."
She continues, "I assumed my needs were reasonable and that my feelings were signals of something important. I kept myself well-fed and made sure I was getting enough sleep. I took myself for walks in the fresh air and spent time doing things that soothed me. I asked myself: What is this winter all about? I asked myself: What change is coming?” (pg. 238)
What do you need this winter season?
I am learning how different I am from one winter to the next. Just like the book invites, I'm wondering how best to treat myself like the "favored child" with the kindness and love only a wise parent offers. Because in truth, we know what we need. And if we aren't sure, we also have access to the best wise parent of all, by faith in God.
What do you need this winter?
How can you treat yourself like a favored child - with kindness and love?