I am trying to take notice. To be enchanted by things that might be otherwise overlooked.

I have lived the first half of my life so frantically. One could blame it on my personality type (Maverick and Type A) or my sign (Aries), or the fact that I have always been aware of mortality and how fast time goes. My self-made businesses and achievements are miles long- to the point most folks wouldn’t believe I have done so much if they didn’t know me. Youth is behind me, being elderly is ahead of me. I am in the middle, wondering what was the point of all that busyness? Was I just searching for worth?

As my body begins to slow down some, my mind slows to a gentle rhythm of time. Be here now, I whisper.

I am becoming content with where I am. A housewife. An artist. A gardener. I homeschool my granddaughter, Maryjane. These are things that bring me joy. I have no more grand illusions of huge career changes, more college, or new businesses. I realize my purpose is simply to be myself.

I do suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) January through March. Folks who have just met me wonder what is going on, and I always joke to just come back in April! However, I don’t seem to be as afflicted this year. Perhaps it is because we are spending as much time outdoors as we can. Or the many windows in my art studio in the garden. Or perhaps all the kittens we rescued last autumn are keeping me in fits of laughter and snuggling. Or perhaps, SAD is just late, but I am determined to make it through winter without a chaotic mind and sadness. I think this can be achieved by noticing the little things. The most beautiful aspects of life are small and intricate in nature. They are pleasant emotions and brilliant rose sunrises. It is contentment and gratitude and an eye for the larger world of beauty and inspiration.

My new iPhone has been loads of fun to capture moments in last year’s garden. I look back on them with wonder and inspiration. I notice the winter wonders too. I am enjoying my new grandson, and my granddaughters are so much fun. I am creating and painting and weaving. I am dreaming of spring, but settling into the contentment of winter and appreciating the rest. All is well. What do you like to do in the winter?