It’s past my bedtime on a Sunday night, and I finally feel like writing again. It’s been awhile, but that’s okay. I’m sipping on a mug of my current favorite (hot water, lemon, and honey—in no particular order) and there’s a pot of homemade chicken stock working it’s magic on the stovetop. It fills the entire house with a comforting aroma, much like Sunday supper on the table just a few hours ago.

It feels nice to crave writing again. I’ve always told myself I want this creative project to be fun. If it wasn’t fun, I wouldn’t do it anymore. Well, February brought a gnarly case of the winter blues this year. Nothing seemed like fun. Especially trying to create. 

Winter promises darker days, and although I look forward to my annual slowdown, I’ll never be prepared for literally how dark it gets. I’m a lot like a house plant; all I need is water, sunlight, and a little love. When one is missing, my leaves tend to wilt. So…yeah! I was pretty sad, and pretty bad at hiding it. As if I’ve ever been able to hide what I’m feeling. 

Needless to say, after an unplanned hiatus, we are so back, baby! It might seem counterproductive to everything we hear nowadays about the “grind,” but I’m actually proud of myself for taking a little break. These last few months, I tried to think of something worth writing about. I just couldn’t do it. 

Maybe it was the lack of sunlight. Or the overall sense of impending doom that seems to be the general vibe out there right now. Probably a little bit of both? Either way. For some reason, sitting down at my desk seemed insurmountable. After awhile, I stopped trying to fight it.

Instead, I read my January remarks. In case you missed it, January’s blog was a mild manifesto about the power of rest and taking it easy. Instead of forcing myself to power through and work harder, I decided to listen to that Olivia. She sounded like she really knew what she was talking about.

I read my other blogs too. To see how things might be going on your end. I have to say, this is some truly delightful shit. It inspired me to keep going, but to be patient in the process. Sometimes there’s value in taking your own advice. Besides, taking a step back tends to remind you how special something is. 

When it comes to creating something from the heart, it helps to have time for pondering. Some space to breathe. Some space to wander. This winter I learned that rest isn’t ignoring the process—it’s part of the process. If you’re looking for inspiration in this great big world, it usually helps to experience a few things first. 

So in the colder months, as I waited for the sun to come back, I sat myself down and tried to get comfortable in the creative drought. I did some reading. Some nights I carried my book to bed and doom-scrolled on my phone instead. Life’s all about balance. I watched so many hours of TV it’s honestly impressive. I became skilled at taking naps, then getting back in the ring to head off to bed a few hours later.

Amidst all that rest, there were some beaming moments of light as well. Balance. Throwing snowballs for my dog in the backyard. Making a huge meal for my family, then huddling around our tiny kitchen table to devour every last bit. The way my sweet Dustin carves a giant heart in the driveway when he shovels snow. All these moments of light accumulate to one nice reminder that even in the darkest days of the year, it’s still worth showing up. You never know when something good’s about to happen. 

I’ve migrated from my desk to my yellow armchair now. Comfort really is key, especially when you’re trying to do something that makes you happy. My fluffy sidekick, Gravy, lays sandwiched between my pajama pants and the armrest, trying to convince us both this chair seats two. It doesn’t, but I appreciate his enthusiasm. 

It’s now a Tuesday night, weeks after I initially started this entry. I’ve swapped my drink for a splash of white wine with a couple ice cubes. In a mug, of course. I guess I needed to do some more living before delivering words to you. This period of percolation has been uncomfortable at times. By sitting in the stagnation, I learned quite a bit. Good things really do come to those who wait.

The days are getting longer. We’ve mowed our lawn once. Harry Styles has a new album out. It’s safe to say we’ve officially made it to the other side of winter. If you’ve made it to the end of this major comeback blog too, congrats on it all. Thanks for coming along with me. Brighter days are waiting for us both. I can’t wait to see what happens next. 

Cheers for now!