Written by Karen D. Swim
We spend much of our lives eagerly looking forward to what is next. Initially, those forward looking moments are anchored to milestones in our development. – the first day of school, the first double digit birthday, legal driving age, adulthood and so on. Yet, the pattern establishes itself and soon wherever we are, we always seem to be looking for what’s next.
In the final days of winter, Tabetha Gedeon has conceived a group writing project that encourages us to take a moment and appreciate the season to celebrate its virtues as we bid it adieu rather than “good riddance.” Her project made me realize that there is too often a focus on what’s next. Why not savor the “what’s now?”
Winter is not exactly my favorite season. In the past few weeks, I have sought signs of the impending spring season, my heart filled with glee each time the sun rose and the birds once again chirped outside my window. I love spring but there are things about Winter I enjoy too.
The pace of winter seems more thoughtful and relaxed. The weather itself forces us to be more deliberate in our actions, more considerate in our planning. The shorter days and longer nights can combine to provide our lives with a balance not common to other seasons. We are efficient in the day, choosing our tasks wisely and nights invite us to savor relaxation and family time.
I will miss the brisk walks in the chill of the winter, watching smoke from chimneys curl into the darkening sky. I will miss the fragrant smells of cinnamon, apples and fresh root vegetables steaming in a pot. So, today I am inhaling the final days of winter, enjoying the “what’s now” as I look ahead with joy to the promise of spring.
This post is an entry in the Goodbye Winter Group Writing Project hosted by Tabetha Gedeon of Denim and Silk. The project is open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike. Feel free to share your own Goodbye to Winter as we bid her adieu and welcome spring.
Friar says
I”m not like Ulla. I can’t stand the @#(%!@ birds squawking at 6:00 AM (The crows have already started).
Live for the moment?
Sure..
Someone please get a pellet gun…(*NOW*) !!!!
Karen Swim says
@Ulla, you have such a positive outlook. I’m sorry that you didn’t sleep last night but what a wonderful way to look at it. I hope tonight you sleep like a baby!
@Barbara, it has been the longest, coldest winter ever! I am practicing the gentle good-bye to winter but shall be turning cartwheels through the dandelions when spring officially arrives. 😉
@Karl, I can’t wait to hear about the conference. Take notes for us please.Sending you virtual caffeine my friend. 🙂
@Terry, I grew up surfing on Christmas but you are so right about the romanticism of winter. Your words truly conveyed the beauty of the season and your love for it came shining through. Thanks for sharing it, it made me smile. 🙂
Terry Heath says
Winter this year has been a long goodbye; even yesterday it paid another snowy visit. The child in me still loves it and dreams of building snowmen, though I never build them anymore. To me the snow carries a romance not found in other weather. The snow slows things down and technology seems more fragile, I’m reminded nature still is in charge even though we like to think it isn’t.
Terry Heath´s last blog post..Creative Writing, El Kabong and Unexpected Snow
Brad Shorr says
Karen, We should look for the positive side in everything. On that score I applaud Tabetha’s contest and your post! Right now, the best thing about winter I can think of is that I was able to get so much work done, not being distracted by wanting to go outside and play.
Brad Shorr´s last blog post..Take the Online Marketing One Question Quiz!
Karl Staib - Work Happy Now says
Savoring this moment at sxsw is on the top of my list. We are in our third day and you get worn out. The thing is once this is conference is done I’m going to miss it. So I need to refocus back on the now and enjoy all the cool people.
Thanks for a great post, reminding me to stay focused on the great event that I’m in.
Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last blog post..New Media is Changing How We Feel about Education and Career
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach says
Alas, I can think of …. hmmmm…. zero things I’ll miss regarding winter – it’s just been toooooo long for me. But I do like the sentiment! I’ll probably feel different in spring. 🙂
Barbara
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s last blog post..Twitter Affiliate Marketing
Ulla Hennig says
Karen,
I think “savoring the Now” is one of the most important advices which can be given. Tonight at 4 in the morning I listened to the singing of the birds for the first time. Instead of worrying about my lack of sleep I told myself “This is the first sign of spring, the first early morning with the blackbirds singing. Enjoy it, savor it!”
Ulla Hennig´s last blog post..Just an Old Church
Karen Swim says
@Andrew, what an incredibly beautiful response! I love, love: “But to wish away the last vestiges of winter is to wish away part of our lives.” Poetic and so incredibly true.
@Tabetha, thank you so much for graciously creating and sharing this project. You inspired me to look at winter with a different perspective.
@Joanna, so glad you enjoyed it!
@Jeanne, I know poor winter! It truly is the season that we love to hate. 🙂
@Alina, ah those bright sunny days in winter are so special, more so than in the seasons when we expect sunshine. I liked playing in the snow a lot more when it was a visit to a ski resort and not living in it! 🙂
Alina Popescu says
That’s really a great way to look at it. I also have little love for winter, but I do love playing in the snow and having a bright sunny day reflected in it! Winter is gone already, but you are right, we should savor each moment, live it more passionately, instead of focusing on what we dislike about it.
Alina Popescu´s last blog post..Rule #1 to Effective Replies to Customer Emails: Read and Understand the Inquiery
Jeanne Dininni says
Karen,
Lovely sentiments about the much-maligned yet strangely beautiful winter season.
Jeanne
Joanna Young says
Hi Karen, what a lovely approach to savouring, and saying goodbye to the winter. Thank you!
@Tabetha, I saw this mentioned on the GWP site and thought it was a wonderful idea. I’m not sure I’m going to get a chance to take part but wanted to say thanks to you for thinking of such a creative and thoughtful project
Joanna Young´s last blog post..8 Things I’m Up To (and where you fit in)
Tabetha says
After reading this post, winter seems so sweet and romantic. You have a beautiful way with words.
Thanks for participating in the group writing project!
Tabetha´s last blog post..Tabetha’s Tweets 2009-03-15
Andrew says
Karen,
What a wonderful way of looking at it.
It’s great to have something to look forward to, and for those of us who live in the northern hemisphere, hopefully, we can look forward to a beautiful spring.
But to wish away the last vestiges of winter is to wish away part of our lives. That would be a shame given the opportunity that winter presents for indoor activities like study, computer related work or otherwise enjoying some indoor relaxation with family and or friends.
Andrew´s last blog post..Should nightclubs pay for cops?