This has been my first real winter. I have never experienced such a cold climate and frigid days. I have never experienced snow falling until this past year. I grew up in Los Angeles, California. I am sure you have heard about (or experienced) the beautiful weather in Southern California, and yes, it is true. I remember many Thanksgivings and Christmas past when the temperature was about 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. I would dream of a cold Christmas and hope that when I woke up on Christmas day, the sun would not be shining.
Don’t get me wrong; I loved the year-round sunshine. Growing up where it hardly ever dropped below 50 degrees was pretty cool. Even in the winter, I could wear light layers with shorts and feel comfortable. There were even some days in winter when it was warm enough to swim at the beach. When I was younger, even in college, I thought that I would never leave sunny California. I thought it was a perfect paradise to always be in the sun and live in mild temperatures year-round.
In the fall of last year, I moved to Montana. I had visited Montana three times prior. Since I had only seen Montana in the winter, I was familiar with the contrasting winter weather. While visiting, I did not know I would be moving to Montana in 2022. Seeing the snow-covered mountains and dark gray sky was a bit gloomy. Although the sky appeared desolate, I remember thinking Montana was beautiful, and the snow was still pretty. I was having trouble picturing if I would love living in the snow because all I could think about was missing the sun and the sun's warmth on my skin.
I was nervous about winter when I found out I was moving to Montana. I was worried if I would like the snow and if I would end up hating the bitterness of icy cold days. I was also concerned about seasonal depression because I felt dreary when it was cloudy and gloomy for days in Southern California.
I am happy to report that my experience this winter has been quite positive, and I have felt in good spirits overall. I believe the first snowfall this season was about a week after Halloween, and I was so excited! I was in awe of the beauty of falling snow. It was so fun and exciting and a wonderful experience. I love watching the snowfall and even standing outside under the falling snow. My german shepherd husky loves the snow, and watching her run in the snow is a joy.
When I mentioned to friends and family I was moving to Montana, one of the first things they would say was to brace for the cold winter. When I mention to people where I live, they always talk about how they have heard Montana is beautiful but do not know if they can handle the harsh cold winters. This was once me. I would shutter at the thought of living someplace with a real winter. Now, living here in Montana and experiencing my first winter season, I can say it is beautiful, and I have learned to appreciate winter. And here are a few things that winter has taught me:
Winter has taught me to appreciate the changing of seasons. The cycle of nature and the changing seasons are truly magnificent. It is a wonder what nature can do. To completely transform and continue to be beautiful in each season.
Winter has taught me to slow down, relax, and embrace the season as a reset. I recognize this as a time for me to adapt to winter. Even though I cannot go outside much because most days are cloudy and below 35 degrees, I can appreciate winter forcing me to slow down.
Stop, breathe, relax, reflect, and reset.
In California, I was always on the go, even in the winter, never giving me time to slow down. Here, I can embrace daylight savings time and enjoy other ways of spending my time besides constantly being busy.
During winter, I have been able to focus more on personal growth by taking time to read books and listen to more podcasts. It can seem a bit boring being inside all day, but it is lovely to drink tea and read.
I love the blissful quietness of winter. Unlike Summer, which is always loud outside, winter is quiet and peaceful. When walking my dog outside, I can pause momentarily to inhale the fresh cold air while enjoying the peace and silence.
Like with anything, it is all about mindset. Often we can feel sad, down, and depressed because of the gloom and doom feeling of winter. It is easy to get irritated or annoyed by the weather or situation, and we often forget to appreciate what a gift and blessing it is to be alive. Whether it is spring, summer, autumn, or winter, I feel thankful to be alive. It is easier said than done, but the more we begin thinking this way, the more we can appreciate the little things, even in winter.
Lastly, I want to share a list of things to do during winter. These can be self-care activities or even done with friends.
make hot chocolate
read a book or listen to an audiobook
listen to a podcast
make some tea
bake a new dessert or goodie
declutter your home
soak in the bath with Epsom salt while listening to music and having a glass of wine (I prefer tea)
take a walk in the snow
explore a new coffee shop and journal
ice skating
yoga/ stretching
meditation
reconnect with someone and start a penpal friendship
map out your finances
play boardgames or cards
Thank you so much for being here and supporting me. What are some of your favorite things about winter?