The Wisdom of Dormancy

Winter days can be perfect for slowing down and taking time for reflection.

A time where nature slumbers, silently rejuvenating in preparation for the months ahead when Spring brings about new life and new beginnings.

In the United States, November and December typically bring about a season of extra busy-ness – the opposite of our natural surroundings.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season often leaves us frazzled and overwhelmed.

It’s only the very end of December where there seems to be a slight pause for reflection with the pending dawn of the new year.

We look back at what the past year brought us.

Some years we look upon with fondness, wishing they would never end.

Other years, so many negative occurrences have taken place, we feel ready for a clean slate.

No matter what the previous 12 months looked like, we frequently look forward with anticipation on the year to come.

We’re encouraged to make big goals, and dream big plans. Often, we’re excited and on fire for a while, until the reality of life kicks in. Many times, we find that fire fizzling out, and sometimes snuffed out entirely as our big plans fall flat within weeks, sometimes even days.

What if we flipped the script a little?

Instead of wishing away the past or pining for what could have been, what would happen if we spent some time in reflection of what went well, and what we could improve upon? After all, diamonds are created when there is intense pressure; perhaps events of the past year are beginning to create a diamond for you.

Henry Kissinger is attributed with saying “a diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure.” What can you find in your life where you did well, despite the adversity?

If your year has gone well, what can you do to maintain the momentum? If the positive times have seemed to slow, what can you do to restart the momentum again?

Bradley Whitford once said “Infuse your life with action. Don’t wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future… your own hope…your own love.”

Perhaps you’ve been trying to gain momentum, yet you have so far failed to gain traction?

Keep it up.

This summer I watched a series of baby birds taking flight for the first time. Most of them landed like a rock their first few attempts. What they didn’t do is give up. They persevered until they had the strength to take flight. Failure makes us stronger if we can choose to keep trying.

I love this quote from Michael Jordan: "I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

Instead of jumping to huge goals and big steps, start with the small things. What one thing can you do each day that will take you a baby step closer to your bigger goals and dreams?

Here are some simple ideas to start each new day.

1)Spend some time outside with the sun on your face each morning. If it’s cold, bundle up. Take your kids, your dogs, your coffee, or whatever you need to outside to give yourself a morning pick-me-up. Not only will you start your day off with more energy, but you’ll be priming yourself for a good nights sleep.

2)Find something to be grateful for. The practice of gratitude helps to open our minds and our hearts to the positive. This simple mind shift can help to lessen depression and anxiety, boost our immune system, and reduce physical pain.

3)Instead of hopping on your electronic device to check social media, emails, or the news first thing in the morning, spend some time in the moment. Talk to family if they’re awake, read a good book, partake in a non-electronic form of entertainment, or simply enjoy sitting in quiet stillness. This allows your nervous system to function as it should, setting you up for a more productive and lower stress day.

4)How do you nourish your body? What you eat really does matter. Aim for real, whole foods that fit your tastes and lifestyle. Do your best to avoid processed foods that may taste good, but provide very little nutrition.

5)Pay attention to your breath. Are you breathing through your mouth, or your nose? If you’re breathing through your mouth, can you focus on breathing through your nose? While you’re at it, take a few light and gentle breaths in and out, expanding your diaphragm and breathing into your belly. Taking a few moments to breath a little slower and lighter can help to diminish stress. Breathing through your nose has a whole host of health-boosting benefits!

As you look forward to 2026, what goals and dreams do you have? How can you implement that with small steps that are achievable on a day-to-day basis? A journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step and is most sustainable a short distance at a time.

With the turning of the dial to the new year, what will you do to step forward?

More importantly, what will you do to rest?

To allow yourself a season of rejuvenation?

Nature requires a period of dormancy. A time to pause. Shouldn’t we?

Wishing you and yours a wonderful new year.

In good health,

Amy

P.S. I’d love to hear from you!

Which 'baby step' resonates most with you today?

Is it the morning sun, the digital break, or simply giving yourself permission to rest?

If you need help learning to rest, or some assistance in moving forward, I’d love to support you in your season of rejuvenation. Send me a message at [email protected], and we can explore what that rejuvenation looks like for you.