Stop Hustling Through the Holidays—Focus on Growing Quietly
As the year winds down, many of us feel pressured to hustle, plan, and push forward. But what if we embraced a different approach—one inspired by nature?
In nature, winter isn’t wasted. Beneath the soil, roots rest and strengthen, conserving energy for spring. Farmers know this instinctively. They let their fields fallow during the cold months, understanding that growth demands recovery. This practice, called overwintering, is as much about renewal as survival.
But we forget this truth in our own lives. We push forward, striving for more, even when nature and the season beg us to slow down.
Winter invites us to pause, reflect, and prepare. It’s a season not just for rest but for deliberate restoration. Between December 15 and January 15, I propose adopting an overwintering mindset—“The Quiet Season”—not abandoning life’s demands but approaching them with simplicity and intention.
Why Rest Feels Radical
We live in a world that glorifies busyness. Rest is seen as laziness, a sign of weakness. But what if we’ve misunderstood its purpose? As Marcus Aurelius reminds us, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” Rest is not about stopping but creating space for clarity and resilience.
For young families or those juggling endless responsibilities, taking time to rest might feel impossible. The holidays come with their own whirlwind of obligations, and life doesn’t pause just because we’re tired. But overwintering isn’t about withdrawing completely. It’s about finding small, meaningful ways to step back, even in chaos.
A Mindset, Not a Mandate
Overwintering is less about doing and more about being. It’s a mindset shift that prioritizes what truly matters. Here’s how you can approach it:
- Simplify the Season: Cut back on the nonessential. Focus on the few traditions or activities that bring genuine joy and connection. Let go of the rest without guilt.
- Create Quiet Moments: Even five minutes a day can make a difference. Sit in silence, light a candle, or take a slow walk. These small acts can recalibrate your mind.
- Reflect on the Past Year: Use this time to journal or simply think about what went well, what didn’t, and what lessons emerged. Clarity comes in stillness.
- Practice Saying No: Boundaries are an act of self-preservation. Recognize that you can’t do everything, and that’s okay.
- Focus on Nourishment: Instead of overloading your plate (literally or metaphorically), ask what will truly sustain you. This could be as simple as reading a book, meditating, or spending time with loved ones.
For families, overwintering can mean a weekly “quiet evening.” Turn off screens, light a fire or candles, and play games or share stories. These moments show children—and us—that rest is not just permissible but essential.
The Strength Found in Stillness
Seneca wrote, “He who is everywhere is nowhere.” The holidays are often a blur of commitments and distractions, leaving us feeling scattered and drained. Overwintering offers an antidote: intentional stillness. It’s not about removing yourself from life but about showing up in a way that’s rooted in presence.
When we pause to reflect and rest, we lay the groundwork for the seasons ahead. We’re not giving up productivity—we’re redefining it. What feels like stopping is actually preparing.
30 Days of Overwintering: Prepare for Growth
From December 15 through January 15, I invite you to embrace the idea of overwintering—not as a time of inactivity but as an essential phase of growth. Use the season as a time to restore—not by escaping the world but by engaging with it more intentionally. Rest is not a retreat; it’s an investment.
Over the coming several weeks, I’ll share a series of posts exploring the concept of human overwintering and establishing "The Quiet Season." These posts will explore topics like how rest fosters creativity, the power of reflection, and the role of intentional stillness in building resilience.
Embrace this dormant season—not as a time to do less, but as a chance to prepare for what’s next. Overwintering, after all, isn’t the end of growth—it’s the beginning.
🎁 Bonus for Subscribers: To help you on this journey, I’ll be creating a guide and workbook filled with actionable tips and prompts to support your overwintering process. Just click on the subscribe button to sign up - and as always - it's free!
