Winter has finally arrived. Yesterday, the desert looked serene, covered by 1/2 inch of fresh snow. During these short days and long nights, motivation has packed its bags and left for a tropical vacation. The combination of snow, cold, and endless dark hours has made two ambitious people want to hibernate like bears. But fear not! With creativity and humor, we’re powering through these dreary winter months without losing our minds!
Here at Winterpast, we’ve been indulging in that warm, fluffy feeling for a few extra minutes. While recovering from the dreaded virus attack, five extra minutes give me enough time to think about the day ahead. It’s a personal pre-morning pep talk.
If your workspace is dark or messy, now is the time to bring in some cheer! Decorate your space with cozy winter vibes: think candles, blankets, or even a small potted plant that screams, “I can thrive in winter.” A well-lit space that smells like a coffee shop might trick your brain into a new phase of productivity. Scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or pine can trick your brain into feeling more energized and less “stuck under a pile of blankets” mode.
Tackling a big task when it’s dark outside is as appealing as stepping barefoot on a cold tile floor. Instead of dreading an overwhelming winter week, break it down into five “mini winters.” It’s like telling your brain, “You’re not dealing with the entire winter right now, just one day at a time.” You’ll be surprised at how quickly things get done once you make winter feel like a series of short sprints. The brilliant blue skies of the desert make it easy to forget that although it looks like 70 degrees outside it’s really 32 degrees.
Don’t face winter alone! HHH and I do our errands together. Both vehicles are getting their scheduled check-ups this week. We search for recipes and plan delicious meals. Of course, there are those days when we divide and conquer, enjoying coffee dates with girlfriends and golf dates with brothers. Not only does caffeine help (because winter fatigue is REAL), but the social interaction has given us that much-needed boost to stay focused. Although there are days we spend some time complaining about the weather, two can be much more positive than one. So, find someone with whom to team up.
Let’s talk about the magic of cozy mode. During the winter, “full cozy” is totally acceptable. Slip into that favorite oversized sweater, light a candle that smells like grandma’s kitchen, and sit in a blanket fort if necessary. The more cozy you feel, the less likely you are to succumb to the temptation of just “watching one more episode” of that Netflix show (although there is nothing wrong with that either). Get things done while enjoying a touch of warmth and comfort.
Winter does have its ups and downs (mostly downs, but let’s stay positive here). Instead of dragging yourself through mundane tasks like shoveling snow or dealing with your “winter wardrobe”, try to find the joy in it. Go ahead, just make it fun. For example, can you turn shoveling snow into a timed competition?
Surviving the short winter days proves you are a warrior, so fight back! Try spending some time near a window where the faint daylight can reach you. The fact that you’re surviving another gray day should earn you a medal.
While winter is cold, long, and dark, it’s also a time for introspection and growth. It’s not about pretending that everything is sunshine and rainbows. It’s about making peace with the season, embracing the small moments of warmth and joy while finding creative ways to keep your focus and motivation high. When spring rolls around, you’ll look back and wonder how you managed to conquer those dark days with nothing more than a cup of hot cocoa, a sense of humor, and a few strategic naps. Stay warm, stay cozy, and remember: Winter is a season, not a sentence. You’ve got this!
