I’ve Been Wintering

Life moves fast. Doesn’t it? Here we are, almost at winter.

I don’t know about you, but I really felt like this year completely zoomed by my own two eyes. I blinked and it was December.

If you’re more of a Type A person like myself, you may tend to really fill up your calendar and extend yourself in so many ways for so many people throughout the year.

This meeting. That event. This party. That errand. This birthday. That conference. This meal. That date. This laundry pile. That. This. THAT. THIS. THAT! THIS!!!!

Don’t get me wrong. It all makes for a beautiful, rich life. One I am lucky for each day I wake up and place my warm feet on the floor.

But, damn….. exhaustion can really take over.

This November, as I looked ahead to the final month of the year, I decided it was time for me to rest and restore. Just how nature shuts it down and turns inward, so would I.

My wintering would begin.

_____________________________________________________________________

What has wintering looked like for me?

Ordering London Fogs.
As a coffee aficionado, tea is always my second choice, but this fall I discovered something new to me! The London Fog. What’s in this warm and magical drink? Earl grey tea, milk of choice, maybe a little vanilla, and I’ve found adding lavender syrup makes it extra amazing. It’s the most creamy, delicious tea latte ever.

Root and Press in Worcester has a great one. So does Acoustic Java.

Saying no to a lot.
I’m a recovering people pleaser. There, I said it. Over the last year+, I have worked really hard on this part of me, transforming the way I approach people and situations to better serve myself. Do you prioritize your peace? It feels really good when you take care of your own needs.

I’ve even chatted with many close friends about this and the ways we are learning and changing to be less people-pleasing and more focused on ourselves…. not even in a selfish way, but more of a “this is my life and I will only be available for what delights me” way. ☺️

Ditching social media.
I lean toward loving social media. It’s fun, engaging, colorful, scrapbook-like and community driven. All things that are very me.

But.

If you didn’t know, I work in social media and manage a team, so I am IN social media M-F all day. My brain and fingers needed a break so I decided I would take a December detox from it. Nine days in and I can report… I feel LIGHTER, BETTER, CLEARER, MORE PRESENT.

All the things I wanted to feel.

Will I go back? Of course, eventually… but I’ll be limiting my time on Facebook and Instagram and spending more of it actually in my own life and on my own real-world timeline. 😆😉

Lighting all the candles.
I stopped by The Vintage Retriever in Holden recently, got an Upstate Stock candle and fell in love.

It just exudes winter, warmth and coziness. That moody-dimly-lit-evening-with-a-fire-and-book feel.

I immediately ordered another Campfire Latte candle.

Decluttering when and where I can.
I’ve been organizing my house little by little and getting things out of the way. I work best in a clear and tidy space — especially because I work mostly from home. I look around and can breathe a bit easier when things are orderly and have a set home.

I’m not saying my house isn’t splattered with kids toys, books, and blankets, but overall lately… things seem to have their own spot and there is a sense of ease. Ahhh, it feels good.

What about you? Are you feeling the need to declutter and start fresh?

Christmas threw up in my house.

No really, it did. 😅

🎄🎅🧑‍🎄☃️❄️☕️🍪⛸

All you see when you walk through our door is our own little perfect winter wonderland of a backdrop!

It just feels right. The kids love it. We love it.

We even decorated a week earlier than usual this year because, well, it just seemed right. 🥰 We’re just going with the flow over here.

Getting my fitness in check.

For some, their fitness/wellness routine ramps up after the new year... you know what I’m talking about. I started on October 1, working with a challenge/coach I really love taught by a friend in CA. I wasn’t waiting to start anew on January 1 like the rest of the world.

Here’s what I’ve been up to: Mindful eating, tracking protein, cooking mostly at home, tons of walking (outside and on my walking pad), weight lifting/strength training, no caffeine after 11am (oooof) and LIVING MY BEST LIFE — which includes delicious coffees, pizza, breakfast sandwiches, chocolate, cookies, the occasional cocktail and more. I am all for living a full life. Food is a big part of that.

Want to chat about it more? Email me! ❤️

I swear I’ve never seen progress and results like this before with any other routine/plan I’ve tried in the past. It’s not even about weight loss, but TBH, I’ve seen some pounds come off since starting.

This whole health journey has aligned with me feeling my absolute best this year. In all aspects. And continuing to put my needs first.

I’m feeling great and so happy!

Anyway, enough about me… Are you wintering? Slowing down? Easing off the gas a little?

I’m wishing you and yours a feel-good, cozy, comfortable, moody winter. Light those candles and stay in! 🕯 (Look up hygge…)

Oh, let me leave you with some recent snapshots now…

Love you, friends & fam!
Ari