Slowing Down This Winter: Finding Joy in the Little Things
Hey friend, now that winter is in full swing, it’s the perfect time to slow down and soak in all the cozy vibes. Whether you’re feeling the chill in the air or dealing with the heaviness that seasonal depression can bring, there are plenty of ways to make this season feel a little brighter. Here in San Diego, it might not look like a traditional winter, but it’s definitely cooler this year—and I’m loving every second of it!
Romanticizing the Season
I’ve been trying to romanticize winter in small, meaningful ways. For me, that’s meant diving into crafts, solving word search puzzles, spending extra time in my Bible, and playing board games with my kids. These little moments have brought so much joy and made the season feel special. And during those moments, I’ve been reminded of this beautiful verse: "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:14). It’s such a comforting reminder to let go of the stress and trust that God is in control.
Speaking of games, my kids and I are all about Dragon Ball Z Uno, Left Right Center, and Headbandz right now. We’ve had so much fun with these games, and they’ve brought a lot of laughs and bonding moments to our family nights.
What I’m Reading This Month
I’ve also been finding time to escape into some great books. This month, I’ve finished:
The Anaconda Downstairs
The Liar’s Wife
Do You Remember
Right now, I’m working my way through We Used to Live Here, I’m a little scaredy-cat, and it’s definitely creeping me out! Speaking of winter, I’ve been loving all things comfy when it comes to clothes. Chunky cardigans, cozy sweats, and leggings have been my staples this season. Even though San Diego winters aren’t too cold, it’s been fun layering up and embracing a little extra coziness!
Warm Comfort Foods for the Season
Of course, winter wouldn’t be complete without some warm comfort food. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with pasta dishes and different ramen combinations. One of our favorites has been a spinach and chicken ramen. To make it even better, I’ve been adding pickled onions and Trader Joe’s Chunky Chile Onion Sauce to my bowl. Let me tell you—chef’s kiss! It’s so easy to whip up on those nights when cooking feels like a struggle but you still want something delicious and warm.
Inward Focus and Spiritual Growth
This slower season has also been a great time for reflection and inward focus. I recently caught up on a podcast episode, A Living Sacrifice: Your Reasonable Service by Stephanie Ike-Okafor, and it really hit home for me. She talked about the power of having true confidence when you live your life by Jesus’s standards instead of the world’s. It made me stop and think: Am I living authentically? This season, I’m making it a point to live more fully aligned with my faith and values.
Final Thoughts
Winter might not last forever, but it’s such a great time to slow down, refocus, and savor the little things. Whether it’s laughing over a game of Uno, curling up with a good book, or enjoying a bowl of homemade ramen, these moments make the season feel magical. Let’s use this time to reflect, grow, and maybe even try something new. And remember, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:14). Lean into His peace and let Him guide you through.
If you’d like to share your favorite cozy activities or recipes, feel free to reach out through my contact page—I’d love to hear from you!
