20 Sparks of Inspo to Elude the Winter Blues
bc who doesn't love a list?
The hardest thing, for not only an artist, but for anybody to do is look themselves in the mirror and acknowledge, you know, their own flaws and fears and imperfections, and put them out there in the open for people to relate to it.
Kendrick Lamar
Dear Friends,
I don’t know about you, but this past week has felt extra challenging. As I’ve been connecting with new and old friends through “Dear Hayley” tarot readings, many have commented on how joyful I seem.
The thing is, that’s a smiley face I put on for the camera. And, while joy is a feeling I’m actively cultivating, it’s one of many swirling in the ever-changing tie-dye tapestry of my emotional fabric. Joy mixes and blends with splashes of sorrow, grief, regret, hope, love, fear, and, as much as I hate to admit it, toddler-level outbursts of anger.
January can be a royal beast, even if you’re not processing grief. It’s the time of year when severe weather can keep us indoors and occasionally kill the power (depending on where you live).
That’s why it’s so important to actively create joy, warmth, and good vibes whenever possible. This week, with Mercury stationed direct, the Sun in Aquarius, and a New Moon, it feels like the perfect time for a fresh start.
And what better way to begin anew than a hot list!?
20 Joyful Activities to Escape the Winter Blues
Credit for this idea goes to Julia Cameron.
In her book, The Artist’s Way, she has you write a list of 20 things you love to do. Next to each item, you note when you last did that thing. In some cases, it might be years! The goal is to brainstorm activities that bring you joy so you’ll do them more regularly.
I’m going to share my list for inspiration, but the exercise works best if you create your own.
Before I begin, I want to note that The Artist’s Way is one of my all-time favorite books. I’ve worked through it twice in the past three years and would go so far as to say it’s the reason I created this newsletter — and many other projects I’ve got simmerin’. If you haven’t read it yet, I recommend getting a copy right now.*
1. Grab a blank page (or notebook) and plan out a good list or mind map with a colorful assortment of pens and markers
That’s right — making lists is my idea of fun! Maybe it’s the Virgo rising in me, but I love taking some time to map out grand schemes and dreams on paper. With many colors. Maybe some glitter, too.
2. Go for a walk in nature
My go-to's are the woods and the beach. I do this nearly every day unless it’s too icy to walk. It never ceases to refresh.
3. Make soup
Nothing nourishes the soul like a good soup on a cold, snowy day. Bonus points because it fills the house with yummy smells.
4. Watch a movie or show I really like — all by myself
This one is a treat for me because I rarely watch movies or TV alone. Jason and I have one TV in our house, and there are many things I want to watch that he won’t (coughOutlandercough). If I want to watch something like Clueless, I have to make time for it.
5. Wander around a museum/art gallery/cute shop all alone
It’s only fun if I don’t have the pressure of someone nagging me to leave. There aren’t many museums where I live, so it’s been a while. Fortunately, the local libraries around here feature rotating art and history exhibits, lectures, and other wonderful things I typically associate with museums.
So, yeah, I guess I could change this to “hang out at the library.”
6. Yoga
On days we don’t go to the gym in the morning, I love to roll my mat out in front of the wood stove and do Yoga With Adriene. In my opinion, there’s no greater self-care bang for your buck than yoga. It nurtures your body, mind, and spirit. All at the same time!
7. Get my nails done
Winter is the only time of year a farmer can keep her nails lookin’ fresh!
I’ve never been into getting my claws professionally manicured before, but I happen to love the nail artist at a nearby salon. We’re kindred nerd-spirits, and I love chatting with her about Star Wars and Lord of the Rings while she expertly files my nails and massages my hands.
8. Do a face masque
Normally, I’d add an Epsom salt bath to this, but I can’t do that at my house because my well water is toxic. Not joking. Jason and I are showering at the gym until we sort this out.
For now, I’ll settle for steaming my face (in filtered water we get from Walmart) before a masque.
9. Cuddle up with dogs and blankets and read a good book
I love to do this as much as possible. Sometimes I add a heating pad, lots of pillows, and hot tea. Oh, Goddess, it’s glorious. I have goosebumps just thinking about it!
10. Make candles
This is a new hobby of mine. I learned that many candles release toxic fumes into your home — especially the cheap ones. Buying premade beeswax candles can cost a small fortune. So, I started making my own with filtered beeswax pellets and coconut oil.
This also gives me an opportunity to mix my own fragrance blends from my extensive apothecary of essential oils.
11. Make a simmer pot
This is simply a pot of water you put on the stove — I use my wood stove — and toss in aromatic stuff like cinnamon sticks, herbs, and dried or fresh fruit. Currently, I’m simmering pine boughs and dried lemon slices from my Yule garland.
I love making my home smell delicious. It’s an easy way to create a cozy vibe when you’re stuck indoors.
12. Watch the sunrise over the bay
It’s been a while since I’ve driven to the beach to do this. However, one thing I love about winter is that my gym schedule works out such that I get a sky full of stars when I leave in the morning and the sunrise over the bay on my drive home.
13. Crafting
I have a box full of shed rooster feathers I’ve been wanting to make into a dream catcher. I also have homemade calendula oil filtering in the next room, which I plan to turn into a salve and possibly lotion. I may even bring back my old hobby of soap making.
14. Writing
Duh?
For this one, I specifically mean freewriting/journaling or working on my novel, not work-related stuff. I do find joy in my work, but it’s not the same.
15. Call a friend/catch up
I always love spending an afternoon chatting with a good buddy. And in the winter, when I may not get out much, staying social becomes that much more important.
16. Browse a thrift store/bookstore
This one’s similar to the museum/art gallery deal. But unlike museums, Maine is absolutely loaded with antique shops. There’s a place nearby that has more than one giant, cast-iron cauldron for sale. I’m hoping one of those babies will appear at my house around birthday time.
17. Treat myself to a fancy coffee drink
I love a decaf oat milk mocha, and it’s been way too long since I’ve had one.
18. Get a massage
For what may be the first time in my life, I’m not living near a friend who’s also a massage therapist. I don’t mind getting massages from strangers, but the experience is that much better when it comes from someone I love.
19. Sauna
I want a personal sauna. It’s on the list of house goals. It gets cold enough here that a sauna is kind of necessary for survival.
20. Ice skate
This one made me laugh as I wrote it down because I’m clumsy AF on skates. Last time I went ice skating, I clung to the wall for support. Despite all that, this is the one I feel most called to do. I’ll let ya know how it goes ;)
There you have it, friends — my list of winter-friendly activities that spark joy.
Thank you for reading! I hope this inspires you to create your own list. If you do, please let me know. And if you know someone who might enjoy this post, please share it!
I love you,
Lauren
PS - I’m still collecting questions for my Q & A on tarot. If there’s something you want to know about reading tarot, you can reply to this email, leave a comment, or email me at l.steinheimer@gmail.com
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