The Winter Solstice gifted us the earliest sunset in Boston at 4:14, and now, a month later, we've scored an extra 39 minutes of light...and I’ve acquired a colony of fire ants in my pants.
I want new furniture, a new wardrobe, and a pet capybara. Last weekend, as I stood in the middle of Michael’s Arts and Crafts holding 5 pounds of clay (my 3rd trip of the month, I should add), it dawned on me that this surge of energy and restlessness appears every year like clockwork.
I was simultaneously angry and grateful for the lightning bolt of self-awareness because with awareness comes responsibility. So I moped out of Michaels having spent $10 and vowing to wait at least 3 weeks or 1 finished project until I could return.
On the drive home, I remembered my commitment to honor the rhythms of nature and wondered if the plants and animals shared my similar restlessness. Were the chipmunks eager to fill their burrows up with half-finished craft projects until spring, or were they still wintering? Maybe it’s the pent-up energy that allows flowers to bloom so beautifully come spring.
So with this reflection and data about myself, I am trying to channel my ants intentionally instead of placating them with yarn and shiny new things. I’ve started to get curious about what I want my life to look like come spring.
What do I want to bloom? What will be so miraculous that I need to conserve my energy for? As much as those 39 additional minutes of daylight have me wanting to run full steam ahead, I know we are still in a period of rest, reflection, and preparation.
I had a great time chatting about ways we can feel fulfilled and purposeful in the workplace on our latest podcast episode. Give it a listen or watch.
“Maybe it’s the pent-up energy that allows flowers to bloom so beautifully come spring.” Love!!