It’s the first day of Winter, the first day of Seasons of You and most importantly the Winter Solstice; the shortest day, the longest night after which we start to move more towards the light. As winter blankets the earth, this is time for us to rest. It’s an ideal time for reflection, stillness and consolidation.

This is the phase that helps prevent us from burning out, over-exerting ourselves IF we listen to natures’ wisdom.

Growth is a cycle, not a conscious constant push. Downtime or fallow time can restore creativity and ideas and allow our bodies to recover and restore.

Use the prompts below to work with the energy of the Winter Solstice. Time to reach for the journal! New stationary incoming!

Reflect on your year.

Look back month by month make a list of all your wonderful achievements, what you are proud of, what you have learned and how you have grown. What are you ready to let go of.

Next gently look at what you didn’t quite do, and why.

Remember this reflection is only about recognising and being aware. Maybe there are learnings to take, maybe there is a determination that is ignited. This is not a place for berating yourself, being disappointed or beating yourself up. This is reflection with honesty and compassion.

Nourishment of your body mind & spirit.

Pick one or all five of these to do over the next week or so.

• Have a sleep in the middle of the day.
• Take an afternoon to yourself doing something that you love to do.
• Read a book or listen to a podcast that is unrelated to your work or your goals.
• Try a Yin yoga or relaxation class.
• Avoid emails, social media and devices for a whole day.

Dream Time

Give yourself permission to really dream about what you want your future to look like. It’s time to dream big – FOR YOU. Not for anyone else. Set a timer and let yourself DREAM. Be big, bold and brave with your dreams. 

Dreams are the seeds of greatness. They are often small and initially invisible, but when nurtured, they grow and bear fruit.” – Louisa May Alcott

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Plant seeds, think about what nature is doing. Nature is sleeping resting and conserving energy for the spring. The seeds quietly lying beneath the Earth are gathering nutrients and energy, waiting for the light, so there will be growth in the Spring. We can take inspiration from this – not fighting against nature but using natures wisdom to allow us to gather our energy for the spring days ahead.

If you struggle to allow yourself to dream then try this question as a gentle nudge; What do you want to consciously create in your life for the next cycle and into the next traditional year?