It’s cold, dark, and wet. At least in the Northern Hemisphere.
Most of the plants are in hibernation, having shed their leaves and such. Dormant.
The wildlife that doesn’t migrate to warmer weather hunkers down until spring.
And people: we have allowed ourselves a few days of festivities and family time. Maybe with some rest squeezed in.
And what, that’s enough?
No more rest or quiet time.
Get back to being industrious, busy, alive and bursting with energy?
There’s something discordant with the physical season we are in, and the amount of bustling activity we expect from ourselves, and each other.
“Start strong this year!”
“Start now to make this the best year ever!”
“Jump! Get into action! Now!”
The world screams at me.
But what if this was a time for people in the north to winter?
To process what has been.
To reflect on what we have learned, incorporated, and lessons still be applied?
To enjoy what there is to enjoy.
To allow space to dream.
And let it all come together, so that we can actually make this the year we dream it will be?
What if this is the perfect time to reflect on these following of questions?
- What do I want to put on the “I’m done with that” list?
- What do I want more of (do, have experience)?
- What’s on my “keep doing” list?
Instead of jumping into action from the first Monday of Jan (that seems to be the consensus magic date for all the fitness apps on my insta feed), what if we recognised it is still winter, and took the time to figure out the considered, reasoned, heartfelt action that we need?
Maybe we wouldn’t make so many knee-jerk, short term decisions.
Maybe we’d live up to our own image of ourselves.
Wouldn’t that be nice?
This is part of my Thought Piece Series, where I explore topics related to leadership and provide both answers and questions. My intention is to start meaningful conversations that help us move forward. Want to connect? Click here.