This past weekend, we set back the clocks in an annual ritual that leaves me asking “Does ANYONE like it when it’s pitch black outside at 4:30 p.m.?!”
The nights are longer. The temperature is dropping. For years, this shift brought down my mood and left me feeling sluggish. For the past couple of winters, however, I’ve tried to re-write the narrative by embracing hygge and finding more ways to bring light, comfort, warmth, and a welcoming spirit into my home.
What does that look in my living space? Warm drinks. Comfy knits. Candles. Aromatherapy. String lights. A fire in the fireplace. Deeply nourishing meals prepared in the crockpot. More rest.
This year, I’m committed to taking it a step further – not only can I bring more light into my home, but I can put more light into the world:
- Say “thank you.” EVERY day. Whether I’m thanking my kid, thanking the cashier at the grocery store, thanking one of my clients, or thanking a friend, every time I say thank you, I bring someone a little bit of light.
- Figure out if there is a way to do things more simply, or with greater ease. A little bit of respite can not only brighten someone’s day, but it also can lead to greater efficiency and open up space for more light, creativity, and energy.
- Be a generous colleague. Be generous with my ideas, my praise, and my acknowledgement (1).
- Illuminate what is inclear: speak with clarity, and make clarity an act of kindness.
Do you have other ideas for bringing more light to your home, your family and friends, your work culture, and your community? Please comment below – I’d love to keep the ideas flowing and the light glowing!
(1) I want to acknowledge At The Well and their most recent Big Gather event for inspiring this blog post! Thanks, At The Well!
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