Winter Hibernation

by Amber on December 11, 2008

A curious thing happens to me every year around this time. I equate it to hibernation, though that’s not quite  a perfect word. It’s really a seasonal introspection, perhaps brought on by shorter days, longer nights, sentiments of the season or reflections of the past. Maybe all of it.

It’s not something that needs to be fixed. I’m not broken, or wanting the world to go away, or sulking in a corner listening to Christmas carols with a bottle of something. I promise.

I’ve always been incredibly atuned to nature. Outdoors is a very spiritual place to me, in all it’s facets. And winter especially brings on a set of emotions and reflections that are perfectly suited to the waning of daylight, the settling of snow on the branches, and the quiet air that hangs puffy and soft after a snowfall. We leave behind the remnants of a year, blanketing them in wet and white and cold.

I can’t also help but take stock this time of year of all the things I have and others don’t. How feeble and minor my issues are compared to some. How simple and exhilarating small things can be. It’s a time where I tuck into my own thoughts. Like kneading out knots in a well worn muscle, it’s painful sometimes, but always delivers a release and renewed determination to work again.

This year has been a transformational one for me, so I’m especially immersed in my hibernation and introspection. It’s the permission I’ve given myself to use some of my exceeding energy typically directed at doing, doing, doing, and spending some of it on finding, searching, and exploring.

I’m grateful to all of you, who have checked in to make sure I’m ok and I assure you that I am. This is an annual metamorphosis of sorts, a rite of passage that means I’m heading for the New Year, leaving my baggage behind, and bidding it a thoughtful farewell. I’m making room in my heart and my mind for the things that need the space. And I’m venturing into the crisp, fresh and chilled air of January knowing that the path ahead is mine to blaze.

Cheers to you. May your New Year be everything you wish for, and more.

Image credit: foto3116

Tagged as: , ,

  • http://isabeljoelyblack.wordpress.com Joely Black

    I do very much the same thing this time of year. Time to take stock, think things through, work out who I am after all of this. I think it’s a good thing.

  • David Benjamin

    I think Chris Brogan just wrote a similar piece, I attribute it to lack of light and crispness in the air. I think the sun has magical powers and miss it o’ so much during the wintertime. In just getting to know your work, I enjoy your writing style.

  • http://www.brandyj.com sticky

    Great post, Amber; Blaze on!!!

  • Meroko

    I think there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing. I do something similar as the year comes to an end and the New Year is about to begin. Right now I’m in the process of redefining everything in my life. I wish you all the best on your journey into the New Year. Happy Holidays (and Happy New Beginnings) to you!

  • http://www.ShawnaAtteberry.com Shawna R. B. Atteberry

    I do the same thing. It was nice to learn that it’s okay, and not depression getting worse. Now I go with it and wait to see what happens. Great post. Thank you.

  • Pingback: Short hops: The seasonal blues and winter hibernation » Shawna R. B. Atteberry

  • http://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinfjelsted Kevin Fjelsted

    I feel similar. I have been pulling researching planning and wondering. I am on the verge of a new change an absolute explotion and soon I must go into action mode.

  • GirlPie

    Nicely said, and I’m sure we’ll find your coming out party to be well worth the wait. (Personally, I never do the introspection thang… maybe should give it a whirl… hmm. )

  • http://cops2point0.wordpress.com Christa M. Miller

    This year was transformational for me too, and I’ve been introspecting plenty myself. In fact, I realize that’s something I’ve been doing for the last few years, only I was convinced something WAS wrong with me not to be getting all into the Christmas hype, I mean spirit. ;) But between you and Chris B. talking about it, I realize it has nothing to do with being Scroogey. Really glad to hear others are in the same place and that it can only lead to better preparation in the new year. Thank you.