A Season of Strength, Joy, and Warmth
As the days grow shorter and the air is extra crisp, I find myself turning inward, not just to the comfort of my cozy blankets, hot tea, and matcha lattes, but to the heart of what matters most.
Winter has always felt like a time to slow down, reflect, and reset. For a long time, though, it was a tough season for me—full of loniness, sadness, and a sense of heaviness that I just couldn’t shake. The shorter days and long nights would leave me feeling stuck, like the world had gone quiet and I didn’t know how to fill the emptiness. I’d find myself retreating inward, but not in a way that felt healing—more like I was just trying to survive until spring.
But something has changed for me. Last year, I started to lean into the quiet instead of resisting it. I began taking small, intentional steps—lighting candles in the mornings and evenings, journaling my thoughts, going for walks even on cold, gray days. I realized winter doesn’t have to feel heavy; it can actually be a time to nurture myself, find stillness, and realign with what really matters. Now, instead of dreading winter, I actually look forward to it. It feels like a gift—a sacred pause that helps me recharge and reconnect. That being said, don’t get me wrong-if there’s ever a chance to escape the cold and head somewhere tropical where I can sink my feet into warm sand and feel the 80 degree weather on my skin, sign me up! I will gladly take BOTH!
This year, I thought I would try something different.  I’m creating a Winter List—6 things I want to focus on, every day, to stay grounded and joyful through the season. I’m sharing it here with you, my heart community of women, because I know many of us thrive when we hold space for one another’s intentions.
Here’s what I’m committing to:
1. Prioritizing My Strength
This winter, I’m making my health a top priority, especially my physical strength. Whether that means starting the day with a few stretches, lifting weights, 30 minutes on my ellipical, or bundling up for a long brisk walk, I want to feel strong and capable in my body. Winter can be heavy, and I want to carry it with grace.
2. Create Moments to Look Forward To
It’s easy to let the days blur together in winter. So I’m scheduling two intentional “treats” each month—something to get excited about. It could be a cozy dinner out, a movie night, enjoying a new cafe spot, or even splurging on a new book. These small joys remind me that life is still vibrant, even in the quiet months.
3. Learn Something New: Beeswax Candles
 This season I would love to learn how to make beeswax essential oil candles. The idea of creating warmth and light, literally, feels like the perfect remedy to our winter’s chill. Plus, it’s something I can share with others.
4. Write More Letters
In this age of texts and emails, I’ve forgotten how meaningful it is to receive a handwritten note. This winter, I’m setting aside time to write letters to my kids, and to the women in my life—simple, heartfelt messages to remind them (and myself) that connection is everything.
5. Practice Stillness
Winter invites stillness, but I often resist it. This year, I’m carving out a little time each day to simply be. Maybe that’s sitting by the window with tea or meditating by candlelight. Whatever it looks like, I want to honor the quiet magic of winter.
6. Nurture My Surroundings
I want my home to feel like a haven. This winter, I’ll take small steps to nurture my space—lighting candles, keeping fresh greens around, and decluttering where I can. A warm, inviting home reflects the care I want to give myself, my family, and others who come to visit.
Each of these 6 things is a reminder that winter isn’t just something to face—it’s a season to embrace. As I look at this list every day, I hope it keeps me focused on what really matters: strength, joy, connection, and warmth.
Winter has a way of asking us to slow down, even when life fells busy. Whether you are working 10 hours, 20 hours, or 40 hours a week, I hope you can find a way to git in just 1 or 2 small practices that make this season something to look forward to. Maybe it’s wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket with a good book, taking a bath before bed, or taking a few quiet moments to breathe deeply in between your to-do list. Let this winter bring you stillness, warmth, and, most importantly, the self-care you deserve.
To my soul sisters, my collective heart community—what’s on your winter list? Let’s hold these intentions together, and may this season be a gentle one for all of us.
From my heart to yours,
Sending you Love & Light this Winter Season, Stacey
