08/01/2025
Embracing winter ❄️
Embracing winter ❄️
A few words from our lovely Jo Turner
(Life coach/Director)❄️
A Gentle Start to the Year
As the new year dawns, it's tempting to hit the ground running, fuelled by resolutions and aspirations. But what if, instead, you took a moment to breathe?
This winter, consider a different approach: go gently, go quietly, go peacefully, don’t rush, no pushing. If this feels like what you need to hear and causes your shoulders to drop with relief, then read on.
Winter: A Season of Stillness and Potential
Winter is more than just a cold pause; it’s a time of quiet growth beneath the surface. Seeds, nuts, and dreams lie dormant in the earth, not yet ready to send fragile shoots out into the world. There’s a wisdom in waiting, in allowing the rhythm of the season to guide you. You might feel the relentless push of diaries and other peoples’ needs, what if winter could offer a chance to pause and reconnect?
Activity: Create a Seasonal Altar
Think about creating an altar—a small space that honours winter. It doesn’t have to be religious. It’s just a collection of objects that resonate with the season's stillness and magic: a pinecone, a candle, a favourite photo. Something that reminds you of the feeling you want to return to.
Mine this year, a branch suspended from the kitchen ceiling with some fairy lights and a few Christmas decorations I decided to keep out.
The Sorcerer/ Sorceress Archetype: Embracing Winter’s Power
In coaching, I often work with archetypes as a lens for self-discovery. Winter aligns with the Sorceress or Sorcerer—an archetype rich with curiosity, trust, and the ability to create bridges. The Sorcerer(ess) embraces:
• Curiosity: What can you learn in this season of stillness?
• Trust: Believe in the unseen growth that’s already happening.
• Magic and Miracles: Let yourself be surprised by small wonders.
• Mastery: Know that you are already an expert in your chosen technology, there’s no need to push for results. Trust in your experience and wisdom.
This archetype reminds us that winter is not idle; it’s a powerful season for setting the foundation for what’s to come.
The One Thing
Rather than creating an overwhelming list of goals, ask yourself: What is the one thing that would make everything else easier or unnecessary this year? This question isn’t about doing more; it’s about clarity and focus. It’s a principle taken from a book of the same name, The One Thing, by Gary Kellar. Perhaps it’s establishing a healthier boundary around work hours or deepening a specific skill. Whatever it is, let it guide your choices.
Activity: Share Your One Thing
What’s your “one thing” for 2025? Write it down, share it with a colleague, or discuss it with your team. Use this as a focal point for the year ahead.
A Gentle Reminder
As you move through this season, remember winter whispers, it doesn’t shout. Let it teach you to slow down, to be kind to yourself, and to trust in the process. Take this time to nurture yourself as deeply as you care for others.
I would love it if you could share your altar, your one thing, or your winter reflections. This winter let’s build a foundation for a year that grows steadily and sustainably.
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