Winter has come and gone, and the warmer days are welcomed with open arms. I spent most of this year’s winter season in actual winter, as opposed to someplace warmer like Miami which has been the norm of the past several years. Winter was particularly challenging this year with winter storms slamming most of the north east with frigid temperatures and stubborn snow that gripped the earth with powerful force. I can’t remember the last time I had to wear so many layers of clothing. Navigating airports with the additional bulk of winter coats in addition to all the usual travel essentials is not easy. However, I took it all in stride.
This year’s winter season served as a reminder of a few simple but important things that can be easy to overlook in the day-to-day. As I sit in my shorts and short-sleeved shirt that only the warmth of Spring can bring, I am reflecting on these lessons and sharing them here in case they are helpful to you as well.
1. Stop and take a breath before rushing out the door.
In day to day life it is easy to fall into a routine. To rush out the door to get to the next thing whether it’s the airport, to run an errand, to a meeting. Whether at home or a hotel, it becomes very easy to grab your keys and walk out on auto-pilot.
Winter is a good reminder to pause. When you are dealing with freezing temperatures, you have to take stock of things, especially when you have a toddler. Gloves, scarves, lip balm, extra layers. Missing one thing can make the whole outing uncomfortable.
The lesson here is simple. Take a moment before you walk out the door to make sure you actually have what you need. That small pause can make the rest of your day go much more smoothly.
2. Ensure you are properly hydrated.
It is easy to drink water when it is warm outside. Winter is a reminder that hydration matters all year round. No matter the season, your body still needs it. Whenever I felt a bit sluggish, water was the first thing I reached for. It sounds simple, but it makes a difference.
3. Find ways to make ordinary days fun.
It is easy to have amazing days during the other seasons, but winter has a lot to offer if you are willing to look for it. Even when it is cold out, there are ways to create moments that feel fun and memorable.
I give a bit more credit of this to my son. His imagination is incredible and he creates his own magic every single day no matter what is going on outside. When we couldn’t go outside, we found ways to make things fun indoors. When we were outside, the right clothing and a bit of movement made all the difference. We were in New York one day when it was hovering around 20 degrees. My son was not phased at all. He ran around and around, and when we tried to keep up, we actually started feeling warm. There is always something to enjoy in the day if you are willing to look for it.
4. Not everything needs to be figured out immediately.
Winter is a season where things slow down. Not everything is blooming. Not everything is moving forward in obvious ways. But beneath the surface, there is still progress happening. This is a good reminder that not every question needs an immediate answer. There will be moments of uncertainty in life and in work where the instinct is to rush toward clarity. To fix, to plan, to control.
But sometimes the better approach is to sit with it. To give things time to unfold. Clarity does not always come from forcing it. Sometimes it comes from allowing space for it to emerge.
5. Keep moving forward, even if it’s not perfect.
Progress does not always look big or impressive. Some days feel slow, heavy, or uncertain. But small actions still count. Whether it is sending one email, finishing one small task, or simply showing up for the day, it all adds up. In seasons where things feel more difficult, consistency matters more than perfection. You do not need to have everything figured out. You just need to keep going. Step by step, day by day.
Spring is now in progress. And I am taking these reminders into this season of new beginnings. It is a time to continue doing things that feel a little uncomfortable, to step into new opportunities, and to be mindful not to get so busy that the most important things are overlooked.
I am looking forward to the adventures ahead this spring and summer and the memories that will come with them.
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