Slow down

 

It is absolutely amazing to me that everywhere from bloggers to insta-influencers

to even Better Homes and Gardens magazine I have seen this interesting trend

that January should not be when we begin resolutions or new routines.

They are saying that March is when we should start which correlates with 

the beginning of Springtime.

When flowers start to emerge, animals begin to come out of hibernation 

or migrate... it seems right.

Winter, they say should be when we dig in deep.

Rest and a focus on well being should be how we spend our days in the

cold & dark.

Resting has never been a popular idea in my home...either 

growing up or growing my family.

My father, a staff sergeant in the Army kept my brother

and I on our toes. If we were sitting then he would find a chore for us.

As a young mom & wife who owned our business, we could

often not afford the luxury of sitting on the couch just to relax.

Our focus was on support for our family.

But even *fun* activities were chaotic...softball, race cars...

we never really had time for quiet leisurely vacations.

( though in my defence, I can still remember sweet long summer

 days where we played out in the grass, the kids playing 

in the sunshine grazing all day on seasonal foods, lazy walks by the shore)

It does make sense that we create stillness- after all

nature is all about it.

Under that snow will be the seeds of promise.

The hope of the bounty of a new season which will emerge in time.

It always does.

So yes, I am not a trend following person but I will

accept this one. Mother Nature tends to her own.

My time over the next week will be focused upon keeping

my animals alive & comfortable .

( much like Mother Nature )

My family will be fine, but these prolonged temps are

not easy on the flocks.

Checking the waterers, gathering eggs so they do not freeze

and watching for signs of frostbite ...all on the list to check for

4x a day at least. 

I have even set up a *hotel* in the man barn if they need it.

Blessedly the sunshine has been strong and that helps so much.

During this snowy period I will be digging into my new books.

Seasonal living, Faith and growing into a higher  level.

Inspiration.

My favorite kinds of books.

I have also been spending time in front of my sunlamp.

The healing warmth is amazing to my aches and pains.

The UVB light is a wonderful way to supplement sunlight & vitamin D.

I have recently started using bees wax candlelight to illuminate me when I am

on the computer or sewing or doing close work, even in the kitchen cooking.

I have switched out a lot of my LED lightbulbs for 40 watt incandescent ones.

I have found that these switches in light within the house relaxes me.

LED's make me feel jittery and wired.

While we are resting and healing....

( sleep is amazingly healing btw...)

I am dreaming of these days.

I remind myself to not  take them for granted in the next seasons.

{ and darn it, I will be setting up a clothes line this year! )

Our dreams set the stage for our future selves.

So slow down, enjoy the moments indoors with family.

Do not rush this season, for it will change .

Rest. Heal. 

and stay safe my dear friends.

xoxo

Raven