As we settle into the new year, I’ve been reflecting on where I am in life, what I want to focus on, and how I can embrace the practice of wintering in 2025. Wintering isn’t just about the colder months; it’s a powerful metaphor for those times in life when we need to pause, rest, and reflect. It’s about embracing stillness and giving ourselves the space to heal and rediscover who we are. This year, my 2025 intentions are centered on taking the time to truly slow down and focus on self-care, allowing myself to let go of old expectations and embrace the quiet.
Wintering: A Season of Reflection
I hadn’t realized I had been wintering until I heard the term. My counsellor first mentioned it during a conversation about how my life in 2024 had turned inward. Later that day, I started researching the concept of wintering and discovered Katherine May’s beautifully written book, “Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times”.. I’m halfway through the audiobook version, and the narration is wonderful.
📺Watch my video on discovering wintering
This concept resonated deeply with me because, in hindsight, wintering perfectly describes my 2024. I set out with the intention to focus on self-discovery, allowing myself the time and space to rest—without guilt. While this process hasn’t always been easy, it has been incredibly healing. Wintering has helped me approach my limits with greater compassion, giving myself permission to let go of productivity in favour of reclaiming my independence and sense of self.
Living with chronic illness, limited mobility, and fluctuating energy levels has required me to let go of many expectations I once had for myself. In January of last year, I made the intentional decision to step away from high-stress work to focus on my health, well-being, and internal life. I stopped taking on projects with deadlines and pressures that often left me drained and in post-exertional malaise (PEM). This shift wasn’t just necessary—it was lifesaving.
What I Learned from Wintering in 2024
Reflecting on 2024, I feel a deep sense of pride in how far I’ve come. Last year, I set out to step away from work that pushed me beyond my limits. Instead, I focused on honouring my health and reclaiming my independence.
It’s been hard to walk away from the work and reputation I built over the years, from giving TEDx talks to writing my book. I talked more about this process in my video, ‘Grieving My Former Self’, where I shared the challenges of redefining success and accepting life with chronic illness.
Before making this change, I struggled to balance my health with my work. Even after cutting down my workload, I was left with so little energy that I had no time for leisure or self-care. I was losing my sense of self, rarely leaving the house unless Chris was there to help me, and often spending days in bed recovering from any exertion. Chronic illness is unpredictable, and I could never know if a flare would hit on the day of an important talk. Pushing through those flares led to PEM, where I would be incapacitated for a week or more.
By stepping back from work, I saved the energy I needed to focus on rebuilding my independence. I started attending support groups, taking walks with Pip, and spending more time in nature. These small but meaningful steps brought me a renewed sense of independence and a clearer understanding of who I am now. This isn’t about trying to return to who I was before my illnesses—it’s about discovering who I am in this new chapter of my life.
Looking Ahead: My 2025 Intentions To Go Deeper into Wintering
As we step into 2025, I’m continuing this journey of wintering—not just as a way to slow down, but as a way to truly listen to myself. Now that I understand the concept, I want to fully embrace it. My body and mind are calling me to explore deeply within, and I’m eager to follow that path and see where it leads. I shared more about my 2025 intentions in my YouTube video ‘What Slowing Down Taught Me’, focusing on the importance of listening to my body and following the quieter path that feels right for me.
Since we moved, I’ve taken even bigger steps toward creating a life that truly supports my health and well-being. The accessibility of our new home has made such a difference. There are no stairs to exhaust me, and everything feels more manageable. I shared more about how we’ve been settling in and making the space our own in my video, ‘Tour Our New Home: See How We’re Settling In!’. I’m excited to continue building a life that works for me here.
2025 Intentions for Greater Authenticity
This year, I’m also committing to greater authenticity—especially in acknowledging and expressing my anxiety. For years, I masked my anxiety to meet expectations or fit in. But that constant stress and suppression have contributed to my chronic illnesses. Working with my counsellor over the past year has shown me the importance of living more honestly and gently with myself. By letting go of the mask and honouring my emotions, I hope to create positive changes not just in my mental health, but in my physical health too. There will be more about that soon!
The Power of Wintering: Embracing the Quiet
Wintering isn’t just about slowing down—it’s about preparing for what comes next. It’s about finding strength in stillness and knowing that this time of rest will lead to growth. Just as winter gives way to spring, this season of reflection is helping me build a deeper understanding of myself and the life I want to create.
Thank you for walking with me on this journey and allowing me to share my process. I’m excited to see where my 2025 intentions take us. I look forward to continuing to share my experiences and reflections with all of you.
Closing Thoughts
What are your 2025 intentions? How do you honour your own ‘wintering’ periods and find growth in stillness? I’d love to hear your thoughts and reflections.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I wish you all the happiness for 2025!
📖 Currently Reading: Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
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