And just like that, we’re in May. I say this, but of course, it hasn’t been sudden at all. As someone who really doesn’t enjoy winter, I’ve worked hard this year to make the colder months affect me less.
In my last blog post about this, written in the depths of winter, I shared my initial thoughts on navigating the season. Now, I can reflect on what actually helped me get through it.
Winter habits
I created a winter routine — one that involved journaling each morning with a cup of mint tea in hand and logging onto Glass every day to connect with other photographers. It was a small but consistent ritual that gave me focus. In the evenings, instead of opting for quick meals, I embraced slower-cooked dishes that required more attention. This allowed the meal to become an event, something to look forward to at the end of a cold day.
Watching the seasons change
I also made a point of walking outside almost every day, no matter the weather, and even if it was dark. Whether it was meeting up with friends for a chat in the cold or walking with my husband to get coffee, I made sure to keep moving. I learned which clothes kept me warm enough to stay outside longer and which shoes kept my feet toasty. And I began noticing things I hadn’t before — like the first leaves on the trees, the earliest blossoms, and the gradual shift in the quality of the light. It all added a beautiful layer to my walks. I spent more time outside this winter than ever before, and it made a real difference. I truly felt the seasons changing.
Run towards the cold
In previous years, I’ve steered clear of colder countries, especially during winter. But this year, I fully embraced the Nordic experience, visiting Norway, Sweden, and Iceland, when snow was on the ground. The winter chill didn’t deter me; it became part of the adventure. What did I learn? That winter is a mindset. I can do this, but it requires a bit of work. And it’s all worth it.
Photo reflections
One of the first things we bought in Tromso, in the Norwegian Arctic, was a pair of snow grips. I wanted to photograph the northernmost points of my travels, but was worried about slipping and breaking my cameras! Putting the grips onto my shoes was like having a superpower — suddenly I could walk on icy ground and snap away with confidence. Instead of fearing the cold and dark of winter, I adapted to it. Looking through the winter on my phone’s camera roll, I can see how many photos I took in the dark, but also my glee at the first blossom.
Looking ahead
And now, of course, we’re heading into the spring and summer months, which always seem to pass so quickly. But I’m hoping to continue some of these habits and embrace the brighter days with a bit more mindfulness than usual. The morning routine has been a huge success, so I’m definitely going to keep that going — as well as the walking, though hopefully with fewer layers! I’m excited to see how the summer transitions into autumn. And, can you believe it — I am already missing winter. Just a little.
(With huge thanks to the amazing Kari Leibowitz. Without her book How to Winter, I fear I would have had yet another bleak winter — instead, I found a new way through.)