Lessons of Resilience for Winter
Dear Faithful Companion,
Winter is always a hard time of year. The cold bites deep, the sun is reluctant to rise, and the early sunsets make the days feel shorter than they already are. Our internal clocks struggle against the darkness, and the weight of the season can press upon even the most resilient of spirits. We just want to hide indoors, nap after work, and feel like it’s always too late in the day to do anything.
It is no surprise that winter affects so many. Studies show that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) impacts roughly 10-20% of people to some degree, with many experiencing lower energy, decreased motivation, and a general sense of melancholy. The lack of sunlight affects our body's ability to produce serotonin, the very chemical that stabilizes our mood. Even those who do not suffer from full-blown SAD still feel the sluggish pull of winter’s grasp. And yet, in the past few weeks, a small but noticeable shift has taken place. The daylight lingers a little longer, the sunsets delay their retreat, and the promise of spring whispers on the horizon. Let’s hope those groundhogs were not right, and that spring will soon be here.
Recently, we were hit with yet another relentless snowstorm, layering an already burdened landscape with even more weight. Many have begun to express their exhaustion with winter, yearning for warmth and relief. The roads are treacherous, the shovels are worn, and patience wears thin. Much of our weekend was spent trying to keep up on maintaining a somewhat clear driveway and sidewalk, and we didn’t want to go out anywhere as the roads were in poor condition due to the snow. I felt as if I was a kid again where the snow banks tower over my head. But as frustrating as the storm may be, we know this snow will serve a purpose. When spring arrives, this very snow will nourish the earth, replenishing our rivers and feeding the soil. What feels like an obstacle now will soon be a source of renewal.
As children, winter was a season of adventure. We spent hours building snow forts, carving tunnels through towering drifts, and collapsing into the softness of freshly fallen snow to make perfect angels. The cold never seemed to matter when there was fun to be had. Somewhere along the way, adulthood has stripped winter of its magic. The snow has become a chore, the cold an inconvenience, and the playful spirit of childhood remains buried beneath layers of responsibility. But why? What is truly preventing us from stepping outside, embracing the moment, and reclaiming a piece of that youthful joy? Why not build a snow fort in an afternoon or make snow angels just for the sake of it? Perhaps the lesson is not just in endurance, but in learning to find joy even in the midst of difficulty.
In the depths of this season, I am reminded of a timeless quote by Nat King Cole: “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” Love, in all its forms, is the warmth that carries us through the coldest days. Whether it is the companionship of family, the support of a friend, or the quiet resolve we show ourselves, love sustains us. Strength is not just about enduring hardships alone but recognizing that we do not walk through winter—or life—isolated. It is through love that we find the strength to persist, to push forward, and to believe in the brighter days ahead.
Winter has tested me in many ways, but it has also reminded me of my own fortitude. It has reinforced the importance of preparation—of being ready before the storm arrives, of having the tools and mindset to weather whatever comes. Whether it’s ensuring we have the right gear to face the cold, stocking up on necessities before a storm, or even mentally bracing ourselves for the challenges ahead, winter teaches us that those who prepare suffer less. In many ways, it mirrors life: challenges will come, and those who anticipate and plan for them are better equipped to endure and emerge stronger. It is a season that demands patience, rewards discipline, and proves that effort in the moment can ease the burden of tomorrow.
Verbum Ultimum:
Face the winter, embrace the challenge, and let it forge you. Strength is not merely surviving the storm but learning to stand firm within it. Winter does not break us—it tempers us. The cold sharpens our resolve, the darkness teaches us to find our own light, and the storms remind us that strength is built in the struggle. Spring will come, as it always does, but what matters most is who we become in the waiting.
Stay warm and keep the fire burning until we chat again.
JCB
