Forever Winter

by Jane Clarke
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February is always a dark and gloomy month this far north. Whilst the days are now lengthening, getting a little lighter with each one that passes, the heavy, brooding clouds overhead make it hard for us to see that spring is just around the corner.

Being outside at this time of year can also be...challenging!

Biting cold, harassing winds, and endless rain can make nature activities that usually bring so much joy, more of a 'grit your teeth and bare it', effort. With my hood up, my coat buttoned down, and my heavy boots on, I trudge through my morning walks, armoured against the elements and the outside world - determined to improve my wellbeing in spite of adversity. I forget to lift my head up, to look at the beauty of the pink tinged skies as the rising sun provides a temporary backlight to the clouds. I don't notice the verdant green shoots of snowdrops and croci bursting through the soggy ground. All around me, the birds starting to build their nests, the sheep are getting ready to lamb, and the insects are starting to awaken, preparing for the burst of life, growth and action that is shortly to come.

Sometimes life can feel like we are walking against the wind and rain, when we don't have an umbrella. Taking a moment to stop and look around, notice the environment, and feel connected with the physical world, can bring us a moment of grounding and provide a little boost to our resilience. Finding ways to look beyond the immediate horizon, to plan ahead and find hope for spring, whether that's through friends and family, through your own spirituality or through something more structured like coaching, can make all the difference to coping.

If you're feeling like your life is stuck in a forever winter, try taking a walk and noticing. Try meeting with family and listening. Try holding the silence and believing.

If you'd like some more help, and could do with some support in reaching that goal of looking up and looking out, you could try coaching - you never know, it might be just the thing you need to get you through to spring.