Leaving the Past Behind as We Move Forward into the Winter Season & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #241
After the crazy year that was, there is the fall and winter that are yet to be. After what has been one of the most challenging periods in recent human history, I think we could all use a little breathing room and now is the perfect time to find it. As it happens, there are a multitude of reasons why this change of season is so very good for the soul, but in the interest of space and reading time, I am only going to share some of the best reasons.
So now you may be thinking I’ve quite lost my mind. Aren’t the warmer months the best times for getting yourself back to yourself with their endless sunny days, loads of outdoor activities, socializing with friends and family, and not being cold all the time even though the colder weather is a great excuse for your favorite winter fashion?
Well, it turns out that while the spring and summer months can rejuvenate us, the fall and winter also offer us some fabulous opportunities to get introspective and give ourselves an annual full body and mental makeover. These months are a great time to pay some extra attention to your physical health and schedule all those check ups and follow up appointments that you didn’t want interrupting your summer playtime. Equally important as we head into the colder seasons is taking extra care of your mental health. It’s all tied together and one will always effect the other, so it is crucial to care for both our bodies and minds.
Leaving the Past Behind You
The winter months are the months that can freeze away all of the troubles that may have manifested during the warmer months. The grass stops growing, the leaves fall from the trees, and even the wildlife goes into hibernation. Snow will soon blanket the horizon in my part of the world covering the ground in glimmering flakes of purity. If you can allow yourself some time to connect with all of nature’s happenings around you, you may find the change of season can pull you inward and allow some lingering issues to find healing.
Cold, snowy winter afternoons are wonderful opportunities for self care and self improvement. You can get all snuggled up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa to find an escape and a moment to catch your breath. Snow days are perfectly designed for you to spend some time in quiet contemplation, process recent events in your life to make space for new adventures, and start looking ahead to conquering your winter bucket lists. After all, the season to be jolly will shortly be upon us once again.
However, with the onset of winter comes shorter days and less sunshine which can sometimes lead to feeling “SAD”. Mental health matters and if you are prone to suffering from seasonal affective disorder, you may consider seeking professional help to find options for minimizing your SAD symptoms.
Give Your Physical Self a Healthy Scan
Have you ever heard the saying that “summer beach bodies are built in the winter”? Well, it really is true and if you have overindulged in your favorite food and drink cravings during the summer, now is the perfect time to reevaluate your diet and exercise routines. Working out during the winter months is a great idea for many reasons. It keeps your body active and energized which will help combat feelings of “SAD” and it also keeps your body healthy and toned for when the summer rolls back around leaving you with little worry about your beach body as the days begin to grow longer.
Also, if you have some cosmetic issues that have been making you feel self conscious or stressed, the winter is a practical time to start checking off all those things that got pushed down the priority list during your long hours of summer fun. Perhaps you have been wanting a smile makeover or you have an odd looking skin growth that needs to be investigated. Winter is a great time for all of these little cosmetic check ups and changes because we seem to be just a little less visible during the cold months as we are bundled in layers of clothing and spend most of our time indoors.
I know many people feel a sense of loss as summer turns into fall and fall bleeds into the long cold months of winter. But there is value in all four seasons as long as you keep a proper perspective. It is never really a bad time for self improvement and self care is always important.
What kind of self care practices do you enjoy during the wintertime?
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Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
66 Comments
mireille
It is already getting darker so I need to make sure to still get my exercise in: I have noticed it has been a hit and miss. I do enjoy the cooler season and down here it is not too bad usually as long as it is not crazy rainy.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am definitely noticing the shorter hours of daylight just this week, Mireille. And it is making me kind of sad to see the longer days retreat into winter darkness. Thankfully, I found some supplements and things to help me combat my seasonal affective disorder so I am hoping this winter will be easy enough to cruise through (that is until there is still snow on the ground in May, then I start to get aggravated!). I hope your week has been going well, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha B
Fall and winter are my favorite seasons. I love the hygge aspects of both, but it is the ability to kind of hunker down and just be that I like the most. I guess I’d better get started on next year’s summer body now…it needs lots of tuning up!
Thanks for the link up, Shelbee!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Marsha, thanks so much for sharing some of your season favorites. I do love when the cool crispness returns to the air in the fall. I actually crave being outside in the fall more than I do in the summer. But then winter time sends me back indoors into the coziness where I can be introspective and start planning for the spring again! I do try to keep my body fit and flexible all year long so I don’t feel insecure when we start to shed our winter layers again. I hope you are having a great week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Christina Morley
I’m always an advocate for self-care. I miss the winter-wonderland feel of Christmas living in the southern hemisphere. Enjoy your autumn and winter!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Tina! Self care is so important and I like to find opportunities for it wherever I can! I do love when the earth is blanketed by the first snow. Although I do think I have seen enough snow for a lifetime! Have a lovely day, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lizzie
I love when the seasons change. It’s like a fresh new start! 🙂 And it does rejuvenate me in a way. Luckily, we do have sun in the cooler months and I am person that needs sunshine to thrive. But even on cloudy, cold days, I take advantage by reading, doing an at home spa day or just doing some fun in the house 🙂
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lizzie, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the season changes! I always love when the seasons change, too. It is an opportunity for a new beginning! I feel like when I am stuck indoors it is a great time to go deep within myself for reflection as well. Basically all of my favorite activities are very conducive to winter living…reading, writing, yoga, cooking and baking, and some minor home projects. I hope that your week is going well, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jessica A Jannenga
It is a time of year I look forward to, the Fall for the change in seasons and cooler air. Outdoor activities still
exist, and I agree , there can be time to work on ourselves or introspection. I do deal with SAD in the Winter and at time find it challenging.
Have a good week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jess, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the season changes. I do love when we transition into fall. It has always been my favorite time of year. But I also suffer from SAD every winter as well. I think I have figured out how to minimize those symptoms now so I am not dreading the winter all that much. I hope you are having a fabulous week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Valerie Hansen
Wonderful inspiration here Shelby! Kindness is always in order! I normally despise fall and winter..not a liker of cold ha ha…this year we are living in the desert..so loving the warm!
Have a wonderful day!
xo
Valerie
http://www.mapleleopard.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Valerie! Fall and winter have always been my favorite…until midlife. Now I am freezing all the time so the cold just feels colder! But I still do appreciate the winter time for what is has to offer like beautiful snowy landscapes, cozy layers of the softest sweaters, and the opportunity for reflection and introspection. It is also a great time to do some indoor projects around the house. I am glad to hear that you are enjoying the warm desert life! I hope that you are having a wonderful week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
I always hate it when summer is over and I know I have to change my view about the winter. I will remind myself about your tips!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Nancy! Summer used to be my least favorite season, but in recent years I am definitely sad to see it go. I know I’ll be complaining about the bitter cold and snow in no time! But I am going to try to maintain a proper perspective. There is much to be accomplished on ourselves during the wintertime. Have a fabulous day, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
I think I do spend more time on self-care in the winter months. There’s definitely something about reading a book with a cup of tea and fire in the fireplace. I also have more time for extra skincare steps. Thank you for the linkup!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jill, thanks for sharing some of your cold weather activities! We need to get our fireplace going this year. We have never used it because my little one has been quite untrustworthy with things like that so a fire made me nervous. But I think he is old enough now that it’s safe. Reading a book in front of the fireplace is one of my favorite cold weather activities! I hope you are having a fabulous week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica
These lovely wintery pics are making me miss the cold weather we just left behind as it’s spring here, haha! I’m glad Christmas is close so we get to see all the pretty light displays 🙂
Thank you for the link up!
Hope your week is off to a good start! Quieter one here after our busy weekend.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Mica! Oh my gosh, when I was looking for pictures for this post, I got a little panicky from the images knowing that all the crazy holidays and bitter cold are coming fast! I have been super social on weekends lately and there seems so much to do in preparation for the upcoming season and holidays. But I also want to make sure to take some time to rest and rejuvenate as well. I hope you are having a wonderful week as well, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
ratnamurti
I really appreciate winter, Shelbee. A time to pause, recover, reflect and plan. I may not like the freezing cold sideways heavy rain that we often get, though……..
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ha, Ratnamurti, I agree with you about winter being a great time to pause, recover, reflect, and plan, but freezing cold sideways rain does sound like a pretty awful side effect of winter! I get really tired of the snow that never ends where I live. Once first snowfall comes, we are blanketed for about the next 6-8 months. I hope you are having a great week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
I will say that the warmer months are the ones I prefer and even the early fall isn’t too bad, but the winter months are so cold, dark and we’re indoors so much that I do tend to start counting down the days with more sunshine. Plus, my kids kid more sick in the winter and I always get anxious when they do, since they have asthma, etc. (plus, bring on Covid worries now! Ugh!) But, I will agree, the layers of clothes and the warm mugs of tea or coffee and just seeing the house lit up at night (especially Christmas time!) are so lovely and def. peaceful!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Carrie, thanks so much for sharing your season favorites! Oh my gosh, I get so stressed when my kids get sick, too. Even if it is just a minor cold, my head starts going to all sorts of other problems that could be causing it. Oh dear, parenting is hard! The cold of winter is starting to bother me at this stage of life so it is becoming less of a favorite season than it once was for me. And I do suffer from symptoms of SAD as well, but I have been finding ways to minimize all that with supplements and shifts in perspective! But I do enjoy cozying up inside on a cold winter’s night! I hope your week is going well, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Darlene
I love your positive outlook about the coming months. I can relate to most of them, except the snow, of course. The coming months are a good time to take care of lots of things. I did read in the “Cold” part which I know isn’t your favorite due to your cold hands. But your positive perspective will definitely help!
xx Darlene
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Darlene! Yes, the cold definitely bothers me at this stage of life, but I still do love the beauty of freshly fallen snow and snuggling up all cozy and warm for indoor activities! Some cold fingers and toes aren’t going to hold me back from enjoying my life! I hope you are having a wonderful week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
Ha, I am entirely not yet ready for the holidays—that image gave me a mini panic attack! That said, I am looking forward to them this year, with hope!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oops, sorry about that, Cheryl! I didn’t want to elicit panic! I get stressed at the holidays, too. But I have been keeping it wicked simple these past few years and that definitely minimizes the stress factor of the holidays. I hope your week is going well, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Mike
This is a great reminder, Shelbee. Due to some personal trauma and deep hurt that I experienced one summer over a decade ago, I had declared summer to be my least favorite season of the 4, pretty much hating it for years. But I really like what you said about all four having value and being able to put each of them in proper perspective. I’ve tried to do this many times before, but failed. But after reading your post here, I’m thinking maybe it’s finally time to let go of the hurt and pain and to forgive. Summer by itself is a wonderful season, with the beautiful weather that it brings; the vitality of life on full display in nature and the sense of vibrancy in the air. It’s something that the other seasons have, but not in quite the same abundance as summer. I’ve attached a negative memory to the season for far too long and now I’m thinking that I need to put it to rest. Thanks for reminding me of this, Shelbee. 🙂 Sometimes one just needs a friendly reminder that life doesn’t always have to be miserable and serious and that we can learn to appreciate it in all of its forms. I think this will be my focus for the rest of 2021 and going into 2022.
And by contrast, autumn is my favorite season and I often get so vigorous around this time of the year!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Mike, thanks so much for this wonderful comment and for sharing your feelings on the different seasons. I like your approach and your willingness to shift your perspective about summertime. A little shift in perspective can definitely take you a long way! My father died on January 22, 1995, and for every year after that the entire month of January was like a big 31 day depression for me. I dreaded it from New Year’s Eve until the calendar turned to February. That went on for 15 years until I met my husband and we were planning our wedding. We chose January 23 as our wedding date, the day after the anniversary of my father’s death, for the sole purpose of changing my perspective about the month of January. Now I get excited on New Year’s Eve and stay that way all the way through the month as we approach our anniversary at the end. I was just tired of feeling sad for a whole month and so I changed it! And sometimes a tiny little shift like that is all it to takes to turn things around! I wish you all the best in reclaiming summer as your own once again!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mike
Thanks for the encouraging words, and for sharing your story, Shelbee. That’s such an awesome story on how you turned a painful memory (your father’s passing) attached for the month of January, into a month of celebration (your wedding anniversay!)! I know that it must still be difficult to see January come, but you have found a wonderful way to work with it. I’m thinking I must do the same for my situation. August 14th (8/14 for short) is my day; a day of sadness, fear and hurt… I keep saying that the next year will be different; that I can finally let go. But somehow, I always manage to fall short of this. But for 2022, it will be different. I don’t know how exactly right now, but I’m determined to make it so for next year. The PTSD that I usually feel when August starts rolling around may try to overcome me again, but I won’t let it. And if I need a gentle reminder, I will look back at your post as I’m going to bookmark it so that I can reread it over and over when I need it.
Thanks again, Shelbee. I really appreciate you allowing me into your blog circle and I really appreciate the conversations that we have. I always feel stronger and filled with more hope after having them. Thank you my friend! 🙂
Keep on being strong and keep on being you!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh wow, Mike, thank you so very much for sharing your story and your very kind words with me. Since I don’t know the nature of your PTSD, I hope I am not too insensitive with this suggestion…but I was thinking maybe you could designate 8/14 as a day of celebration of your strength and fortitude in continuing to overcome these challenges…Call it Fortitude Day and celebrate like crazy how awesome it is do the hard work so you can live your very best life! Fortitude Day has a really nice sound to it and it works well for the fourteenth of August. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rena
Shelbee, autumn does feel like a magical time of year and an opportunity for restarting now that the distraction of hot summer days has passed.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Rena! Fall has always been my favorite season and I have always enjoyed the winter months as well…until premenopause! Now I am just too cold all the time. But it is the perfect season for cozying up and getting introspective. I hope you are having a wonderful week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lovely
I really appreciate your suggestions for the season. Winter is a great time for me to reflect on what’s happened and what I’d like to be next. Well done you for sharing this!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lovely! I am usually in a reflective mood anyway but definitely winter lends itself to deeper reflection and introspection. It is a great time to unwind and rejuvenate for the next season as well. I hope your week is going well, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail Is This Mutton
Great post Shelbee. I think winter gets a bad rap, it is a lovely season in its own right and does offer more time for self care and reflection.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gail! I have always enjoyed winter except for the fewer hours of daylight…that does start to get to me midway through the cold months.
xoxo
Shelbee
Mike
Oooh, I like that very much, Shelbee! “Fortutude Day” sounds like the perfect name!! I’m going to write it down in my calendar for next year! I write out every anniversary, birthday, and any other significant day in my calendar notebooks each year, as I’m very sentimental. I’m definitely adding this one! Thank you again, Shelbee!
And no worries. You are never insensitive towards me. You are one of the nicest people I have met online and I really appreciate your input and advice to try and help me. 🙂
Indeed, for the last decade, I would feel such trepidation when this day approaches as I can recall in painstaking detail, everything that happened that day, like it was yesterday…
I’m talking panic attacks, speedy heart beat, you name it…
But now, on Fortifude Day, I will celebrate it, not fear it. I have nearly a whole year to think about how!
Have a fantastic weekend my friend!! 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Mike, I am so glad that you liked that idea and will embrace it for some change when the next anniversary comes around! I really find that tiny little shifts in perspective sometimes make huge differences in our lives. I will remember August 14 as Fortitude Day from now on as well! What a beautiful thing to celebrate…our strength in overcoming life’s challenges! I hope you have an amazing weekend, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mike
Aww, thank you so much, Shelbee! Knowing that you are on board with helping me to change my perspective of 8/14 will help me even more in putting the bad memories of that day behind me and create brand new memories. 🙂 I was just thinking the other day that I don’t want to be someone who lets a single event like that define my whole life for the rest of my days. This is so important to me, and you are helping me to do the one thing that years of counseling couldn’t… helping me to heal…
Thank you, my friend!! 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh wow, Mike, I am happy that I had the words that you needed at the time that you needed them. I often just feel like a vessel who has been tasked with delivering messages of positivity to the people who need uplifting. Sometimes they don’t even feel like they come from me, but rather an outside source hands me the words I need when I need them! In any event, I am so glad that you found value in my words!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I’ve been doing shadow work to work on past issues!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I love that you have been doing all this shadow work, Jennifer! It is so beneficial for the soul. I hope you are having a great week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Alexandra
Those Winter scenes are incredible! I just want to go there!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I totally feel the same, Alexandra! Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo
Shelbee
Pam Ecrement
I LOVE these thoughts, perspectives, and photos as the weather shifts from summer to fall and winter. Each season gives us specal opportunities and ways to grow and replenish ourselves.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Pam! I agree completely. All we need is a little shift in perspective to see the benefits of each season and each day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
I have to admit I’m not really ready for Autumn, I feel we didn’t have much summer here really. That being said I do like the change of seasons and seeing the new colours and styles arrive. Jacqui x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I hear you, Jacqui. I am usually ready for fall by sometime in July but this year I don’t feel quite ready for it and it’s already here. And the temperatures have already dropped to where I can’t bare my legs or arms anymore without freezing. I hope it’s not a super cold winter!
xoxo
Shelbee
Heather Noire
This is a really good message. And I feel inspired by reading this, as well as the fall and winter season which is my fav time of year. I hope your’e having a great week so far.
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2021/09/5-stylish-items-that-will-dominate-date.html
http://www.instagram.com/heathernoire89
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Heather, thank you so very much. This is my favorite time of the year, too. But I do love the transition to each new season. It’s like we get 4 times to start anew each year!
xoxo
Shelbee
Wendy
Shelbee!!!
A billion thank yous for highlighting my book post! I saw that you had this morning, but had to do mom-duty.’
Thank you so much. It really means a lot to me.
Wendy
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Wendy, it was my pleasure! Thank you for sharing it and being a part of my little link parties! I hear on the mom-duty stuff, too. Mom-duty has been killing me! Ha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
I like the fall season and winter season for my own reasons. Anyway, such a nice post.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick! I think I have finally come to appreciate all the good things about each season. I hope you are well, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy
You know me, I’m all about the winter months! I love when the cooler weather starts to roll in. There’s nothing better than getting up as the sun rises, and wrapping up in something warm with a cup of coffee in the morning! I agree that this time of year is as good as any to get things done!
Thank you so much for your very kind words, Shelbee!
Huge hugs
Suzy xxx
P.S I always read your comment replies and always have every intention of responding but I usually end up getting waylaid, so I just wanted to say sorry about that!! <3 <3 <3
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Suzy, thanks so much for sharing your beautiful cold weather imagery! It is so nice to snuggle up all warm and toasty with a good book and a hot drink and get a little introspective in the dark hours of morning. Mmmmmm….so goood. In fact, I am kind of doing that right now except I’m reading blog stuff instead of a book! And do not worry about replies in comments. I have to be honest that I barely go back to check if there is a response to my comments. If it was something super important that needed a response, I would email or message you instead of leaving a comment! So no apologies necessary whatsoever, my friend. I hope you have a lovely weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
Your positive and proactive stance takes me right along with you!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michele! I appreciate that!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
I always go into some sort of dark sadness as winter approaches…but self-care does help big time. The pampering and trying to do the most outdoors as I can so I get enough sunlight is another booster for me. Love this article!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Lucy! I definitely go into dark places in the winter as well. I started taking Vitamin D supplements last winter and that actually helped with my winter mood immensely. The long hours of darkness can get to the best of us!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
I think for many of us, fall evokes that “fresh start”/back to school feeling. It still feels like the start of the year in many ways! Autumn/winter is a time for me of reading, watching football, gathering indoors with friends for games or parties (or Book Club or Winesday!), and for long walks on grey days. Autumn especially is when I recharge my batteries for the year. And it helps that my birthday is in October!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Sheila! I have always viewed the back to school season as the new year much more than January 1. Fall does make me feel all sorts of feelings that I don’t get in other seasons. Reading, watching football, and gathering indoors with friends are my favorite fall activities, too, as well as long woodland walks! I hope you have the best birth month ever!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jerralea
I love this time of year! I guess I’ve always regarded fall as a new beginning as a trait learned in my school days. I love cozy afternoons with plenty of time for reflection.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jerralea! I have always viewed the back to school season as the perfect time for a new beginning as well. That still sticks with me today!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lynn
What a pretty and inspirational place you have here! I love fall fashions and everything about fall. It is my favourite time of the year (even though that phrase is penned for Christmas)! Happy to have met you!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Lynn! I really appreciate that. I do like to keep things upbeat and positive in my space, but I also like to keep it real! I hope your week is off to a fabulous start!
xoxo
Shelbee