December 21st is upon us, and with it the hope for brighter days. Winter is not my season and although the winter solstice marks the longest night of the year along with dropping temperatures – if you are in a part of the world where winters are unforgiving– it also signals the slow return of longer days and the nearing of spring.
For the first time in my life, I have fully embraced the slowing down and introspective nature of this time of year. 2024 – especially December – has been challenging for me in unexpected ways: it has brought up some things in a new light (shining brighter against the backdrop of winter) and I am trying to make sense of what seems to be a constant wave of conflicting emotions and thoughts. I am questioning some of my choices while I try to come to terms with the inevitable shift that is taking place in my life, and the extended darkness of this time of year is accentuating the grief-like state I have been experiencing.
Yet, the winter solstice is a symbol of hope and a reminder that dark times are not here to stay; the latter can often be overshadowed by the feelings of uncertainty, sadness or self-doubt that bubble up to the surface when we feel lost. And although I am a long way away from celebrating winter time, I have grown to experience it with less resistance and to appreciate its wisdom. What I do celebrate is the changing of seasons, sunlight, endings and new beginnings. Nothing lasts forever, even when it feels like an eternity.
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