On Surviving Winter

How are there still 2 Mondays left in the month?

Seriously how?!

It feels like the never-ending winter. Too cold, dark, and loooong!!!

And to make matters worse, almost everyone I know has been getting covid-19 and having to isolate too recently too (myself and my own family included).

Like me, are you finding life a little gruelling at the moment?

Well in the words of author Barbara Brown Taylor, here’s three simple rhythms that are ‘saving my life’ right now - so much so, that I thought I would briefly share them with you below:

• Looking out

• Looking forwards

• Looking up.

 1. Looking out.

Connecting with others around me: A celebration meal. A walk and a talk. A coffee date with a friend.

After two years of mostly disconnection sometimes the organising alone feels draining. But then I do it and it’s always, always life giving.

 2. Looking forwards.

Planning some fun things into the month(s) ahead: A birthday party. A half term trip. Perhaps even a tentative plan to go abroad again this summer.

After two years of cancelling plans, it can barely feel worth the bother, but whenever those plans do come off… I’m always so grateful I tried!

 3. Looking up.

Finding a change in perspective in my day: Getting outdoors and looking up. Noticing the winter sky. The stars at night. A sunset or sunrise.

Sometimes I just have to look up and remember the vastness of God in amidst all the chaos – there is simply nothing else that will re-centre me quite as well. And whenever I remember to do it, I always find the reassurance that I am held by a power that is far greater than I.

So there you go, three simple rhythms: easy to remember, and hopefully hope-filled too.

Keep on keeping on! x