If you’re anything like me, you might be inclined to be go, go, go all the time. There is always something to do. Family, work, home, life admin, friends, exercise, projects – it’s a list that never quite ends.
For many years my inclination had been to push forward. Staying up late or waking early to get things done. Trying to make progress and get on top of all the things that need doing.
But, over time, I’ve begun noticing the natural rhythm of seasons. There is a time and place for effort and momentum, and other times for resting and restoring.
It’s made me question my habit of forcing things and pushing through, all year round.
These days, I notice something different in winter.
As the mornings become darker and the evenings arrive earlier, I find myself wanting less from the day, not more.
I want to lie beside my son at night and listen to stories until we both drift off to sleep. I want to linger under the covers a little longer in the morning.
It doesn’t mean I want to lose momentum – but I’ve learnt that winter is about giving ourselves permission to follow the season. To keep life humming along – but not fill every spare minute.
I no longer see this as laziness or falling behind. I see it as listening.
Nature reminds us that life moves in seasons.
Not everything is meant to bloom all at once.
There are seasons for growth and seasons for harvest. Seasons for energy and outward expression. And there are seasons that invite us to slow down, go within, and restore.
Winter has become one of those invitations for me.
Rather than fighting the darker mornings, I find myself leaning into them.
Rather than trying to squeeze productivity into every available moment, I notice what my body, and what matters most to me, are asking for. More contemplation. More nature. More rest. More quiet. More connection. More warmth.
It means that I am not afraid to say no when I feel at capacity.
In fact, I’m typing this out now on an early Saturday evening, with a beautiful meal slow cooking in the oven, sitting under the blankets, with a cup of tea by my side. I had been invited to a large group dinner, but in fact, I just wanted to stay under the covers and tap into creativity.
Winter is about following the season rather than fighting it.
It means that I go inwards and reflect on the seeds to plant now, ready to unfurl in the warmer months. This inner reflection relates to various areas of life – strategic planning for Connection Compass, planning for summer holidays, reflecting on parenting, considering health and wellness goals and intentions.
In some ways, winter helps me find my bearings again.
Winter reminds me that I am not separate from nature. As the days become crisp, my ginger dies back and the leaves fall from trees (subtropic delays!) – I’m reminded that I don’t need to live at the same pace all year round.
I’m reminded that there is wisdom in rhythms.
And I trust that spring will come. In a few short months, the sun will rise earlier and I’ll rise with it. The days will lengthen again. Energy will return.
The things quietly tended during winter will have their own time to emerge, just like the spring blossoms erupting after a period of dormancy.
Winter solstice morning, 2026
Returning to what steadies us
For now, winter is asking for something different: replacing urgency with space, striving with a quieter rhythm. Returning to what steadies me.
By lying dormant in the winter morning hours, listening to the sounds of quiet around me, I’m following the call of nature by following the seasons.
Maybe that’s what winter is really offering us: permission to follow the season, rather than expecting ourselves to live at the same pace all year long.
I’m connecting to ancient rhythms and restoring my spirit; setting myself up energetically and emotionally for when the first new leaves and blossoms of spring start appearing.
So, excuse me while I make a hot chocolate, curl up under a blanket with my family, and enjoy these darker evenings while they are here.
Winter won’t last forever. But maybe that’s the gift.
What is this season asking of you?
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Connection Compass acknowledges the Turrbal and Jagara people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, live, and gather. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and draw inspiration from their connection to Country, community and spirit.
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