15/09/2025
"However it arrives, wintering is usually involuntary, lonely, and deeply painful."
Wintering is not just a book; it’s an intimate guide for anyone who has faced the harsh season of life—those cold, barren periods when everything feels stripped away. Katherine May beautifully weaves her personal struggles with universal truths about what it means to pause, reflect, and heal. Her tone is gentle yet deeply profound, making you feel like you’re sitting by the fire with a friend who truly understands the weight of your soul.
The brilliance of Wintering lies in how it reframes pain—not as an enemy to escape, but as a natural season, as necessary as winter is to the earth. May encourages us to embrace the slowdown rather than fight it, to treat rest as an act of courage, not laziness. This message feels radical in a world obsessed with hustle culture.
I found it deeply personal because it reminded me of the times I’ve burned out—when I thought productivity defined my worth. Reading May’s words was like getting permission to breathe, slow down, and trust that spring will come. It’s a reminder that even in stillness, growth is happening beneath the surface.
If you’ve ever felt lost, weary, or empty, this book will hold your hand through the darkness. It’s not about fixing yourself—it’s about allowing yourself to be human.
Here’s how Katherine May’s wisdom translates into real, actionable life lessons:
1. Honor Life’s Seasons
Life isn’t endless summer. When hard times hit, stop forcing sunshine—acknowledge that you’re in a winter season and allow yourself to adjust.
Personal takeaway: After a job loss, instead of rushing into the next thing, I gave myself permission to heal—and that space made all the difference.
2. Rest is Productive
Society glorifies busyness, but rest is essential for renewal. Just like nature, we need periods of stillness to restore our strength.
Action: Schedule intentional downtime weekly—no guilt attached.
3. Create Rituals of Comfort
During difficult times, small comforting rituals—tea by the window, journaling, slow walks—anchor us when life feels chaotic.
Example: I started lighting a candle during early mornings; it became a small act of peace before the day’s noise.
4. Learn from Nature’s Wisdom
Trees shed their leaves without fear because they trust spring will come. Likewise, let go of what’s no longer serving you.
Action: Declutter your space or relationships that drain you during personal winters.
5. Prepare for Hard Seasons Before They Come
Just like animals store food for winter, prepare emotionally and practically for life’s downturns—save money, build supportive connections.
Action: Start a self-care toolbox with books, calming playlists, and a list of safe people to call when life feels overwhelming.
6. Slow Down and Be Present
Wintering invites slowness. Instead of rushing to escape discomfort, sit with it and notice what it’s teaching you.
Personal insight: When I slowed down after burnout, I rediscovered simple joys—like reading by the window without checking emails.
7. Allow Yourself to Change
Winters often precede transformation. Don’t resist the person you’re becoming.
Action: Journal your thoughts during hard times—you’ll be amazed at the growth when spring returns.
Why this book matters now: In a world that glorifies constant motion, Wintering reminds us that retreat isn’t failure—it’s wisdom. It teaches us that our darkest seasons can be fertile ground for the deepest growth.
GET BOOK: https://amzn.to/46h1lK3
You can also get the Audio book for FREE using the same link. Use the link to register for the Audio book on Audible and start enjoying it.
