Overwintering Begins: 3 Steps to Prepare for Growth

Nature knows how to prepare for winter. 

• The leaves let go and begin to fall.
• Animals store food or prepare for hibernation.
• The soil goes dormant to rest for the spring.
• Even the earth itself slows its rotation ever so slightly. 

These are deliberate actions driven by nature’s deep understanding of what’s needed to endure the colder months ahead. There’s no rush, no chaos—just intention and focus.

But when was the last time you intentionally prepared for winter and the spring to come? Not in the frantic, checklist-driven way we often approach life, or by simply making a list of resolutions, hoping you’ll be able to honor them, but taking the time with clarity and purpose to make space for what truly matters.

Preparation isn’t necessarily fun or glamorous. It’s not about achievement or outward success. It’s about doing the work and letting go of what no longer serves you so you can focus on what does. And if we’re being honest, that’s not easy. The world thrives on keeping us busy, convincing us that our worth is connected to how much we can juggle.

But here’s the truth: Like the millions of travelers who overpacked for their holiday vacations, dragging their bags through the airport, you can’t hold onto everything and expect to move forward without struggles or stress.

No person has the power to have everything they want, but it is in their power not to want what they don’t have, and to cheerfully put to good use what they do have. ~Seneca

This week’s challenge: Clear the clutter.

Clearing the clutter is not a burden. It’s a relief. It’s not throwing everything away but making sure you can find the important things in your life. It lightens your load and paves the way for a smoother journey.

Start by asking yourself three key questions:

1. What’s essential?
What matters to your overall well-being right now? Your relationships, physical health (diet, exercise, sleep), mental health (stress management, positive mindset), or a personal project you’ve been putting off. These are your essentials—the things that deserve your focus and energy.

2. What’s draining?
You most likely carry things that don’t serve you well—aspects of your life that deplete your energy or resources. You may have said yes to commitments out of guilt. Your habits might no longer align with who you are. Perhaps there are even items cluttering up your spaces. What is holding you back that you can loosen your grip on?

3. What’s meaningful?
Only a few things demand your attention AND give you a sense of motivation and fulfillment. These pursuits resonate deeply with your values and passions, offering a sense of excitement and direction. These are the things worth protecting and prioritizing.

Ask yourself at every moment, "Is this necessary?" ~ Marcus Aurelius

Clearing space is not just about doing less; it’s about making room for the right things. When you say no to distractions and unnecessary commitments, you create an opening for intentional growth.

But here’s a catch: Letting go takes courage. It’s tempting to hold onto everything because of other people’s expectations, or it feels safer, or because we’ve convinced ourselves that busyness equals productivity and success. 

Like the trees losing their leaves, preparation is about shedding the old to make way for the new. It doesn’t happen all at once—it’s a process that asks us to be honest about what we need.

So, this week, take inventory of where you are. What can you let go of to create space for leisure, rest, and preparation for the next phase?

Nature doesn’t hesitate to release what’s no longer needed. Neither should we. Overwintering begins here—with preparation. Make the space, and trust that what remains will be enough.