If you haven’t noticed, Mississippi is much colder than usual. Just today it started raining randomly. I had to go get my umbrella. To go along with that, the wind was blowing fiercely. Typically my cardigan would warm me up, but goosebumps littered my skin. On my trek to class I saw that the leaves were barely on the trees, and it kind of saddened me. I personally love autumn, it’s not too cold or warm either- it’s perfect. With that being said, I’m not opposed to winter. We have a love/ hate relationship. So I think the best thing to do during this hard month is to reflect on the good things that have come out of it in the past. I would encourage you to also find the little pieces of joy in December. While the weather is gloomy, there is still ups to December.
1. The beautiful lights: My dorm is filled with string lights and a salt lamp that gives a calming mood to my room. Seeing Christmas lights throughout Brookhaven reminds me of the comfort of my room. Plus, it reminds me of when I would run around in my yard being a fool during December. It was the first year Mom put up Christmas lights on the outside of our house. It was so lovely.
2. Warm soup: I have to say, I’ve only tried tomato soup since I became a vegan. Then when I got to MSA they started making this delicious mildly spicy soup around the colder months. It really makes me feel nice and warm inside.
3. Sweaters/Cardigans: Okay, during winter I get to wear my favorite items such as cardigans. I have a coffee colored one that is long and makes me feel comfortable. It’s nice to feel all warm and cozy during a hard time.
4. Good friends: There is nothing quite like laughing with friends to cheer someone up. I can be in a bad mood, but a joke or two can make me feel a bit better. It is good to surround yourself with a community that is here to support and love you.
With the sun going away, and past experiences of things that have happened during Christmas time it always tends to bring me down a bit. Although, this reflection has made me appreciate the little things that brighten my soul during this time. I hope that you too, will make a list of things that make you light up inside if winter tends to affect you too. You could even comment something that makes you happy during this time.
I really love this post; it definitely radiates warmth and comfort. Winter always feels desolate and vacant. The sky is drained of color, and so is everything else. I definitely agree with you about reflection and appreciating the good bits of life. Thank you for sharing what stirs happiness in you during the colder months. I hope your winter passes by quite smoothly and that you are surrounded by warmth and friends. Gratitude is such a lovely thing, so thank you for reminding everyone of its influence. I have been doing the same this winter, and it has made a tremendous difference. I will not share everything, but, personally, coffee is lovely and a good reason to wake up every morning. (;