Winter is coming, and I am freaking out.
In a normal year, as the cold months approach, a mix of dread and panic sets in. Snowy holidays I can handle; it’s the weeks upon weeks of ice, snow and gray that follow that send me a shiver even when the leaves are still glowy orange.
Add to this a global pandemic and the fear that accompanies it, schooling situations that are challenging no matter the specifics and untold months ahead of social distancing, quarantining and generally hunkering down, and I’m not even sure how to approach this winter.
Since the upcoming season is most likely going to be hard, I’m going to set my sights in the opposite direction. I’m going to focus on the good. On finding things to be thankful for and holding so freaking tight to gratitude and goodness.
I’m going to reframe a dreary day as a cozy one, and invite my kids to snuggle under a blanket and read a book with me. I’m going to find beauty in the landscape as it changes. I’m going to finally learn how to layer properly so I can enjoy a frigid Wisconsin day as wholeheartedly as my kids do.
I’m going to be thankful when I can connect with family and friends, even if it’s via technology, and I’m going to think of all who are faring worse than me and who have lost loved ones during this incredibly tough time.
I’m going to go easy on myself when I have a rough day, or when everything flops apart or a million little annoyances threaten to take me down. Or when someone in my household has that kind of day and needs some love and grace.
I’m going to look for the good not because the bad isn’t here. But because it’s not all bad that is here. And because, whether it’s during winter or a challenging time, the good is what will keep us holding on until a kinder, milder season comes around.
– Katie Vaughn
Katie Vaughn is the editor and co-founder of Northerly. She is a University of Wisconsin-Madison and Stanford University-trained journalist with experience as a writer, reporter, editor, blogger and author. She lives in Madison with her husband, daughter and son, and is always up for an adventure.