Here we are in the middle of winter, with much of the country experiencing extreme cold and snowy weather. Depending on your perspective, this time of year can feel bleak and isolating or cozy and invigorating. I’m trying to focus on cozy and invigorating, but that’s not always easy to do with chattering teeth and beckoning hibernation.
Some people love the winter weather and wait all year for their opportunity to ski, ice skate and sled. Living in New England, I’ve met quite a few of these hearty souls and I’ve tried to imitate their vigor but it doesn’t come as naturally to me.
Many people suffer from the Winter Blues, and it’s easy to understand why. Shorter days and freezing temps reduce exposure to Vitamin D, which is a natural mood enhancer. Darkness and icy conditions can make getting out more difficult than usual.
Even so, connecting with others remains one of the best ways to elevate your mood. The quiet days of winter at the start of the year can be a great time for self-reflection and priority-setting. Also, focusing on the small things and gratitude can go a long way toward warming your spirits.
In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.
—Albert Camus
In the hopes of inspiring happy winter vibes, I would like to share some of the things that have brought me joy during these cold months. Feel free to share what is making you smile lately in the comments.
- Eating a delicious dinner in Boston’s North End in the quiet hours before a blizzard with dear friends from long ago and far away.
- Bundling up and heading out for an icy winter beach walk in Nantasket with my friend Holly and then introducing her to Swedish candy.
- Listening and learning from the audiobook my friend Marci recommended.
- Sipping hot tea and catching up with my friend Eva at a new Tatte location.
- Wearing the slippers my friend Larry bought for our holiday swap.
- Watching the snow melt on the tip of my dog’s nose when she comes in from a walk.
Language of Friendship 
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