The Gifts of Winter: A Series

And I'm not talking about Christmas...

With the exception of one (hot) year in Oklahoma, I have lived in the Midwest my whole life. While I have trouble with the cold I am a lover of snow. I figure - if I’m going to be freezing at least I could have something pretty to look at! Last year I started a practice of walking that I decided to continue through the cold winter months. I put on all my gear and headed out. Naturally I was dreading the cold I would face, but what I found on my winter walks was something I hadn’t in the warmer months - peace and quiet. Not shockingly, not as many people are outside to simply enjoy a walk in the winter in Minnesota (though they do many other intentionally recreational things). A practice in movement had become a practice in quiet, a gift of peace. 

From the outside looking in a walk in the winter doesn’t seem appealing and the choice of engaging something that is feels less than desirable appears counterintuitive. What I’ve learned though is that in many instances in life the things that look uninviting hold some of the most precious gifts of life. It is only by choosing to engage and being open to the experience that we can extract the sweet gift inside. 

I am so glad that I challenged myself to continue my practice of walking through the winter last year. The peace and quiet was just the beginning of what winter has taught me. Stay tuned next week for more about the life winter gives.

If you are looking for ways to experience more peace and quiet in your life but you don’t know how to do so I’d love to talk to you! You can sign up for a free 30 minute Free to Be Life Coaching consult with me today: https://calendly.com/katiepat48-1/30min.