Winter is not my season. The cold, the dark, and the endless layers of clothing…not for me. I’d much rather bask in sunshine in a t-shirt, but alas—winter comes for us all.
And so does solstice. Winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is the longest night (and hence the shortest day) of the year. Then, the very next day, the light starts to come back. Not by much at first, just a few seconds here, a minute there. And honestly? You don’t even notice the difference until, like, March.
But eventually, 9pm sunsets are a reality.
That’s what makes Solstice such a perfect metaphor for life.
Things will always change.
Even if we don’t believe they will.
Even if we forget they will.
They will. That’s part of the nature of reality.
Especially when you’re not feeling great, when you’re going through it (like trying to forgive your ex, or facing the old but-brand-new pain of finally reckoning with a less-than-ideal childhood), it can feel like nothing’s shifting.
You’re doing the work—showing up, healing, growing—but it’s like the light isn’t coming back fast enough.
And yet, it is on its way.
This week, I want to invite you to reflect on these questions:
- What’s one part of your life that feels dim or missing right now? Maybe it’s a sense of connection, confidence, creativity, or joy. What’s the “light” you’re longing to see return?
- What’s one tiny step you can take today to nurture that light? If you’re craving connection, could you text a friend or plan a coffee date? If it’s creativity, maybe you pick up a sketchpad for five minutes or try writing a single sentence. If it’s joy, could you spend 10 minutes outside or dance to your favorite song?
- What’s one way you can show yourself compassion in this moment? Can you forgive yourself for feeling stuck? Give yourself permission to rest? Or simply remind yourself that you’re allowed to move at your own pace?
Take a moment for yourself this week. Light a candle. Wrap yourself in something warm. Close your eyes and imagine the light coming back, just a little more every day.
You don’t have to rush. Spring will come. It always does.