Hi Hello!,
I hope you had a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, gratitude, and plenty of delicious treats. As the winter chill sets in here in Cle Elum, we're embracing the crisp, sunny days with a hint of snow dancing in the air—nature's way of painting our town in a magical winter wonderland. It's the perfect time to layer up, grab a cozy mug of cocoa, and step into the magic of the season.
Winter Outdoor Adventures: Looking for some snowy fun? Here are five winter outdoor activities to make the most of this chilly season:
1. Snowshoe Strolls: Explore the serene beauty of the mountains with a snowshoe adventure.
2. Sledding Shenanigans: Unleash your inner child with some good old-fashioned sledding fun.
3. Winter Hikes: Lace-up your boots and discover the breathtaking winter trails around.
4. Ice Skating Extravaganza: Glide and twirl on the ice for some frosty fun.
5. Cozy Bonfires: Gather friends and family around a toasty bonfire for warmth and stories.
Easing into 2024 - 6 Tips to Ease Into the New Year: As we approach the end of the year, let's ease into 2024 with grace and rest. The change of the calendar to a new year can bring a sense of hast and a feeling of needing to do it all now. Instead of rushing, consider taking cues from the world around you. Let yourself rest, go slow, and recover while you wait for what will spring forth next. When we take it slow moving into a new year, we create space to be surprised by what life sends our way. Here are 6 tips to help you navigate the transition:
Retreat from screens or other activities that might distract you from true rest.
Keep a small notebook or journal available for reflection, gratitude, and ideas for the future.
Go for walks to connect with the winter season. Pay attention to what brings joy on the path. Look for the "glimmers." (If you saw my post on IG on Glimmers you know what this reference means)
Follow nature's lead and hibernate during the evening hours. Give your physical body rest and sleep well at night. Notice how sleep affects your work during the day
Light candles in the twilight hours of the day instead of exclusively relying on bright artificial light.
Be intentional about resisting pressure to set goals or expectations for the year to come. Wait until you are coming from a place of rest to look at where you want to go.
Thank You for a Remarkable Year:
I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the incredible support throughout this year. Your encouragement has been the driving force as I continue to build, pivot, and expand my offerings. Exciting things are in store for 2024, and I can't wait to share them with you!
Warm Wishes for the Holidays:
Wishing each one of you a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and the magic of the present moment. May your days be merry and your hearts light as we celebrate the beauty of this season together.
Here's to a December filled with love, laughter, and the beauty of the season!
Until Next Time,
Chris
P.S. My friend Erin posted this on her FB page the other day and I thought it was so beautifully written and went along with what I wrote above about easing into 2024 and resting. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
"The winter solstice time is no longer celebrated as it once was, with the understanding that this is a period of descent and rest, of going within our homes, within ourselves, and taking in all that we have been through, all that has passed in this full year which is coming to a close... like nature and the animal kingdom around us, this time of hibernation is so necessary for our tired limbs, our burdened minds.
...the natural tug to go inwards as nearly all creatures are doing is strong and the weather so bitter that people are left feeling that winter is hard because, for those of us without burning fires and big festive families, it can be lonely and isolating. Whereas winter is kind, it points us in its quiet, soft way towards our inner self, this annual time of peace and reflection, embracing the darkness and forgiving, accepting, and lovingly embracing goodbye to the past year.
Winter takes away the distractions, the buzz, and presents us with the perfect time to rest and withdraw into a womb-like love, bringing fire & light to our hearth.
.. and then, just around the corner the new year will begin again, and like a seed planted deep in the earth, we will all rise with renewed energy once again to dance in the sunlight.
Life is a gift"