Here’s a peek at my simple daily habits that make winter tolerable. I always say I’m grateful to live in a place with four seasons. Except for the dreary, soggy slog between New Year’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Every year at the midpoint of winter, Anne Bogel of Modern Mrs. Darcy shares her “What’s Saving My Life Right Now” coping strategies. Anne invites anyone to share their lists, so be sure to check out her post. The comments are packed with great tips and links by the way, so don’t miss those.

Get Cozy

In previous years, I embraced the standard uniform for my work-from-home and carpool mom life: activewear that transitioned from exercising to running errands and waiting in line to pick up the kids. In 2020 and 2021, there’s not a lot of carpooling going on. Most of my writing friends and the folks I socialize with are still working remotely and connecting online. Athleisurewear and comfy clothes are the new normal and I’m here for it. When my father passed away in September of 2020, I decided that embracing the cozy lifestyle would be part of my coping strategy. So wearing comfy clothes and staying as cozy as possible helps me stay productive and work through my big emotions.

Morning Routine

I’m a creature of habit and we have three kids, so a consistent daily schedule has always helped our home run more smoothly. For almost a decade, my days revolved around naptimes and preschool schedules. Now our boys are older, so the rhythm and cadence of our days has shifted. If I’m not careful I can waste a lot of time (Instagram rabbit holes I’m looking at you). Establishing a routine and sticking with it has helped me stay emotionally healthy and achieve my personal and professional goals. When my morning starts with breakfast, coffee (duh), spending a few minutes in God’s word, plus taking a long walk with our dog, then the rest of the day usually goes smoothly.

Intentional Input

There has probably never been a more convenient time to be a human. Technology makes our lives so much easier, and yet, sometimes it’s that very same technology that derails my contentment. If I’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s that I have a choice about what I choose to read. I have options regarding whose voice I allow to flow through my headphones. There are a zillion shows to binge, but I don’t have to watch anything. The world came to a screeching halt last year, but it also got really loud. And often confusing. We have unlimited opportunities to fill our minds and our hearts with content, and right now, I’m choosing both the humorous and the uplifting. I’m listening to the voices that inspire and encourage me to run toward Jesus and turning away from the voices that lie and tell me I can do it all on my own. In the words of Mark Batterson, I’m learning how to be a lion chaser. “Lion chasers don’t run away; lion chasers run to the roar.”

Setting Goals and Planning Ahead

I’m not great at looking backward, unless I’m scrolling through photos or flipping through scrapbooks, but I do love to set goals and plan ahead. Susan May Warren is one of my favorite authors. Recently, she’s developed a writing academy to help novelists nurture and grow their writing careers. As one of her students, I’ve learned the value of setting goals, breaking them down into manageable steps, creating an action plan and tracking my progress. It’s fun and rewarding (and sometimes discouraging because not every goal is achieved) and especially helpful in winter seasons when we can feel discouraged and sidetracked that brighter days feel so far away.

Bring Me all the Puzzles

I guess I’m officially old because the anticipation of building a new puzzle and watching a Hallmark movie is my idea of a wonderful evening. Bonus points if it’s a puzzle with a cozy setting. Here’s one of my recent favorites:

Your turn:

What’s making this season more tolerable for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts. And don’t forget to pop over to Anne’s blog. Her post about domestic tasks and the sneak preview of the book Laundry Love is so good.

Thanks for stopping by. Blessings!