A couple of years ago, I read Barbara Brown Taylor’s gorgeous book An Altar in the World and was particularly struck by a question in the introduction: What is saving your life now? Since then, I have asked it of myself over and over again, as a kind of reset button for my life and also as a way of giving thanks.
Winter is always a tough season for me, especially in New England where the frigid temps and biting winds make it hard to get through the day sometimes. But this winter, I’ve been employing a few coping mechanisms that are saving my life. (At least until the next blizzard hits.)
I bought myself two bunches of tulips this week: one for the kitchen table, one for my desk at work (above). They make me smile, and they’re having the same effect on my colleagues.
I finally went back to Monday night yoga, after an absence of several months. My favorite instructor’s face lit up when she saw me, and the familiar poses – cat/cow, pigeon, downward facing dog – felt like coming home.
While on the mat, I had a chance to enjoy the bright pink pedicure I got last Saturday. Catching up at the nail salon and then over brunch with my friend Kristin was a real treat – even if it was 16 degrees outside. (Hence another of my little lifesavers: fleece-lined tights.)
In the mornings, before work, I’m flipping on my light box – I’ve started carrying it into the bathroom so I can switch it on the moment I step out of the shower. I move it around the apartment as needed, so I can get as much extra light as possible. That extra hit of light, and my Vitamin D pills, make a real difference on gray days.
I am (it’s no secret) a dedicated tea drinker, and I always go on an Earl Grey kick in the winter. This month, I’m drinking the Earl Grey I bought in Montreal last year, out of my favorite cobalt blue mug, every morning.
I’m wearing cozy cardigans and dresses with my favorite green coat (pictured above), including a few new-to-me pieces culled from my sister’s closet over Christmas. Having a trendy – and generous – sister is such a bonus. (We’ve also been having long conversations via text message about Downton Abbey – she’s been catching up in preparation for the new season.)
Winter can be so isolating, but this year I am making a real effort to schedule coffee dates or excursions like the above brunch-and-pedicure date with Kristin. (It’s also on my winter list to invite people over for dinner – bowls of soup or spicy Mexican food.)
During the workday, I’m making a real effort to slip away for some chai and writing when things get crazy. Even 20 minutes of scribbling can clear my head and make a real difference in my day.
I’m reading and watching all the good stories I can: Downton, Castle, the brand-new series Grantchester, the newest Flavia de Luce mystery, Lauren Winner’s latest book (out in March).
Finally and always: I am soaking up every bit of blue sky, whenever I can get it – and rejoicing that it’s not quite dark when I leave work now.
What is saving your life this winter?
cakes, tea and dreams 
I’m coping as well with a dreary bleak mid-winter in Minnesota. I went to the Como Park Conservatory to walk through the Tropical Forest Room and the flower-filled Sunken Garden. A small thing – but I also bought a bright pink phone cover for my GalaxyS5 and I put a picture on the screen of some gorgeous pink flowers I found on Pinterest. Seeing the flowers gives me a lift. I’ve also decided to post some summery pictures on my Instagram (BETTYJJ22). I’ve been a bit of a purist about only posting current, seasonal pictures – but why not post something with a touch of summer! Also reading your posts always gives me joy in every season. Thanks so much.
Sending sunshine and blue-sky thoughts your way, dear Katie!
I have two lightboxes–one for home and one for work 🙂
I, too, struggle with the grey days of winter. I, too, do some of the things you do. Sunny days have been more rare this year, but I will sit in the window on cold days, on the patio on warmish ones. Coral toenail polish. Flowers on the table. Garden posts on Pinterest. Lots of good movies…currently lots of British mysteries – Inspector Lynley and Midsummer Murders. Planning a summer vacation helps a lot! Looking at coastal pictures, thinking about all I want to do then, it transports me into the sunshine for a little while. A good thing.
I love the suggestion of toenail polish! My splurge this winter: time in the hot tub at the gym after a long run, and getting my body so hot that it sweats. In July, I probably will not fathom that I actually was excited about sweating…
I’m with everyone on the toenail polish — I have a pedicure scheduled for later today! But I actually savor the dark, dreary winter days. They give me an excuse to stay inside on my couch, reading and drinking coffee (in the morning) and tea (in the afternoon) and wine (in the evening).
There is that. Sometimes an excuse for hibernation isn’t a bad thing!
Sitting in the sunshine with my big pup, snuggling with the kiddos and hubs while we watch lots of movies, tea and more tea, and quilting. I love your green coat, it’s very pretty! I have a bright blue one with matching hat and it really does cheer me up to wear it, and seems to make others smile too. A little color in the middle of winter can go a long way! 🙂
Oh yes, the sunshine! And I agree – colorful coats seem to cheer everyone up. 🙂