It's Winter, I'm Resting

A new found love for winter

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I didn’t always understand winter. For years, I resisted its chill, constantly seeking ways to escape the cold. Even as nature slowed down, I felt the need to keep moving, producing, and doing. To pause felt wrong.

But this winter, something shifted in me. I’ve come to admire the slowness of the season, and the way it invites you to rest without asking for explanation. Outside the holidays, there’s no rush to fill the space with activity, no demand to be anywhere, or do anything—a privilege I also recognize.

As I watch the snow fall outside my window, I think about how often we’re taught that rest is something to be earned. That we must first achieve, then relax. But winter reminds me: rest is not a reward for work. It is as integral to the cycle of life as work itself.

So, I’ve let myself settle into it. I’ve let myself be still without guilt, without the pressure to fill the space with noise. I’ve learned to savor the soft, slow rhythm of this season. Winter has also taught me that rest isn’t just about slowing down—it’s about listening. Listening to the world, to myself, to what has always been there waiting for me to notice.

This winter, I’m not rushing anywhere. I’m resting. And in this rest, I’ve found a love for the season that I never knew I needed.

Inspired by

Sandy Sanchez

’s lovely piece, How to Fall in Love with Winter, here are small ways I'm leaning in this season and practicing slowing down:

Sleepovers

I’m not a big sleepover person. I love the comfort of my own home and having a personal night-time routine, but recently I had two sleepovers—one with my 7-year old nephew and another with my cousins. Both reminded me of the joy that comes from breaking routine and leaning into play and connection.

Creating by hand

During the holidays, I decided to try something new and bake a pistachio cardamom carrot cake. If you know me IRL, you know my whole personality is this cake right now, haha.

Baking, though I don’t do it often, has always been a way for me to slow down, but this season, it felt extra special. I was baking this cake for the first time for people who mean a lot to me, and the process itself felt connected to the season.

Instead of buying pre-grated carrots, I chose to grate them by hand (slightly regretted this after, lol). I also peeled the pistachios myself instead of buying the no shell ones. It took way longer, but it made me appreciate the process more. More! baking! 2025!

Walking without a destination

I’m not going to lie, this one is still a little challenging—especially after spending the day curled up in a blanket enjoying the coziness of being inside. But my body thanks me every time I choose to push past the initial resistance.

There’s something freeing about not having a goal or a specific route in mind and just letting my feet guide me and my thoughts wander. It’s a simple way to be present, take in the natural world, and to let go of the pressure to do or accomplish anything. When I’m walking, my only task is to walk.

Reading (and re-reading) thoroughly and not skimming

I’ve been finding joy in slowing down while reading, giving my full attention to pieces I might’ve overlooked before, such as selecting an article from a section I normally don’t read from, reading and noticing all the fine details of a menu, or reading a passage from a book out loud.

Let’s keep the conversation flowing

What does “rest” look like for you?

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Left on Read

Media consumed recently that I found thought-provoking, amusing, or just moved to share.

• Meet Rachel Seville Tashjian (passerby magazine)

• Read this when you feel like: Adventure is out of your reach (Steeped by

  Samia Abbasi
  blog)

• Laapataa Ladies (film)

• Bobo’s Void: your stuff is making u miserable (podcast)

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If you’d like to support further, I welcome you to buy me a coffee or add a book to my shelf.