Lessons This Winter Has Taught Me
On preserving self-care and staying inspired
For the first time in my life, I found myself leaning into winter this year — finding sanctuary in the quiet, creativity in the cozy, focusing on self-care and routines. I’m not built for the cold weather — never have been and never will be. Like many, the dark cold months of winter feel endless and I often fall into a deep seasonal depression. Summer is my heart and soul — flowers and produce galore, birds chirping, freckles and warm, sun-kissed skin. But this winter, to my surprise, I found myself inspired. Perhaps it’s because it’s been especially frigid and there’s been no other choice. Or because the bakery opening is on the horizon and a project is a beautiful way to pass the time. Or maybe I’ve finally let go of the idea that I despise winter.
With the first spring-like day this past weekend, I found myself not quite ready to let go of this newfound sacred time. Some lessons learned this winter — and how they’ve kept me grounded in the excitement and chaos of opening the bakery:
Keep Journaling
I’m always a big journaler and whole-heartedly believe in morning pages. I prefer to write outside, and I can be stubborn about my “ideal” routine. Because of that, my journal often sits untouched from November through April. This year, I let that go. Journaling with a cup of coffee at home or at my favorite coffee shop has become a new routine and just as special. More importantly, having an outlet to scribble down my thoughts is so key for me to stay focused, creative and present. A few prompts I love when I don’t think I have anything to write about:
Sensory check-in: Write down everything I see, feel, and hear in that moment. I love this when I need to feel grounded or present. I start broad, then zoom in on the tiniest details.
Gratitude check-in: At the end of each session, I turn to a fresh page and write down three things I’m grateful for in that moment. They’re rarely big things — usually small, simple joys. A delicious cup of coffee. Dinner with a friend. A quiet morning. Writing them on a new page means that the next time I open my journal, those three things greet me first.
Finding Purpose in a Project
The long days indoors have made room for more recipe testing and playing in the kitchen. I’ve been deep in developing recipes for the bakery, and the timing couldn’t be better. Baking something over and over — tweaking, adjusting, refining — gives me a sense of purpose and achievement when the days feel long and dreary.
While this is a rather big project, small goals to chip away at each day are just as grounding. Having something to move toward makes winter feel less stagnant and more intentional. It’s the perfect time to pick up a craft or take on a project.
Importance of Routines and Nesting
This past fall, I ordered the sweetest lamp from Sézane and it’s been my guiding light this winter. I turn it on every evening in my living room, light a candle, and spray my favorite Abel room spray. This ritual marks the end of the workday and the beginning of rest: getting cozy and curling up with a book or watching a show. Having a defined transition — from productivity to softness — brings a wave of calm that is so necessary.
Opening the bakery means constant decision-making. It’s exciting, but it’s also so overwhelming. Carving out time to decompress has been essential for clarity and decision making.
Seasonal Self Care
Long hot showers, napping (for the first time ever), early nights, slow mornings, nourishing comfort meals, and drinking lots of water are a few of the things I’ve been prioritizing. My skin has been extra sensitive, so I’ve shifted to a simplified routine, focusing mostly on hydration. I don’t often intentionally change my self-care habits with the seasons, but the shift has been a bit of a game changer.
Last summer, after months of not feeling like myself, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s. I thought the diagnosis would be the wake-up call — the moment I would finally learn to listen. And for a while, I did. But as I felt better, I began to also fall back into the familiar rhythm of go, go, go. Running a business is a lot. There’s always something to do, and my mind is always moving a mile a minute.
This winter, something finally clicked and I’ve actually been listening. Moving slower, protecting my energy, noticing when my body whispers instead of waiting for it to shout. I’m usually an early bird, rising with the sun, but lately I’ve found myself wanting to sleep in — so I am. I’m trying to honor my instincts instead of pushing past them, and it feels so refreshing. In doing so, I’ve found more room for creativity and a clearer, more grounded mind.
Buy Flowers!
Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean there are no more flowers. I often buy flowers weekly to bring a touch of softness and beauty indoors. I play around and spend time arranging them, indulging in that creative moment. It’s also a lovely reminder that while winter lingers on, spring blooms are around the corner.