I’m wading (and waiting!) through winter with spring in my heart and longing for green and warmth. Even in cold and gray there are so many things to be hopeful for and embrace in the present moment. One thing I’m embracing is the fun behind-the-scenes events for the release May 6th of my first contemporary middle-grade novel, Loon Cove Summer!
And one fun thing is getting pre-publication reviews, like this one I must share that I received from Midwest Book Review!
You can pre-order Loon Cove Summer here from your favorite bookseller in paperback, hardcover, or eBook!
Even with things to look forward to and sunshine in my heart during these frigid, dim days I need to be vigilant in keeping my spirits up to ward away the drab and gloom. I want to share with you my own toolbox I’ve filled up over the years for how to beat the winter blues by elevating mind, body, and spirit.
BLAST THOSE WINTER BLUES!
As one who’s battled depression much of my life, I’ve learned to recognize the signs when it rears its head, and I instantly take action to combat it. While depression is much more serious than just the “winter blues”, the blues can lead you down a rabbit hole toward depression.
In more recent years I’ve taken a proactive stance to defend myself from sneaky darkness. I protect my energy, spirit, and mental health by strengthening it every day before depression sneaks in.
My snow writing on a frozen lake one winter walk
Each morning, I rise early at 5a.m.and sit in my quiet space to align my spirit for the day with hope, light, and love through many techniques. Here is my routine. Even if you don’t have this amount of time daily, any amount can be helpful:
MIND: 60 minutes
· 15 minutes of Transcendental Meditation in total silence. I joined a weekend long program to learn about TM. You can find a local center here.
· 25 minutes of listening to chakra healing music through headphones. There are many on Spotify. I first close my eyes and do EFT for 5 minutes (emotional freedom technique—tapping on points to send calming signals to the brain). Then I do 20 minutes of manifestation for my life. Check out the manifest coach, Matt Cooke, who has a resourceful free weekly newsletter with actionable items.
· 20 minutes of Duolingo with language lessons. I use the paid version and am learning French and Italian! Expanding my skills and opening myself up to other worlds gives me something to look forward to each day and fills me with purpose.
BODY: 45-60 minutes
After working on projects, book release duties, or client marketing work, I fit in my physical exercise which is a combination of:
· Yoga (Yoga with Adriene. Free on YouTube)
· Aerobics (Team Body Project. Free and paid versions)
· Walking
· Weight training (Free and paid versions with Team Body Project)
SPIRIT: 30-45 minutes or all day
· Yoqi for energy healing: pronounced YO-CHEE (yoga + qigong or CHEE-GONG with Marissa. Free and paid versions).
· Journaling: can be doing gratitude lists, what I want to manifest, freewriting about my present moment and mindset, or tracking/reviewing life goals related to personal, health, spiritual, financial, and professional.
· Being social: keeping consistent social commitments that inspire and elevate my spirit like my weekly writing group that meets at a café to write all day, meeting my book club, hiking with others, or a date day with my husband.
This toolbox didn’t happen overnight. It’s been over 5 years in the creation. Many of these techniques may speak to you and some may not—but I recommend taking the time to find what works for you to strengthen your mind, body, and spirit. It will help ready you to live your life at its fullest, no matter what challenges come your way—or what season!
BOOK RECOMMENDATION:
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
This was a recent pick by my book club. It’s a fast and easy read. The story is absorbing with a twist in the middle that changes how you view the first half of the book. You will be drawn in while also disturbed at the same time, but unable to look away. If you’re looking for quick, thrilling entertainment this will satisfy. Now for me, time to move on to a book with a bit more through-provoking sustenance and rich prose!
RECIPE: My comfort winter stew
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium-sized leek, chopped (I buy precut washed leek leaves at Wegmans for ease)
• 1 medium-sized turnip, sliced
• 1 medium sweet or yellow onion diced
• Two peppers chopped: pick red, orange, or yellow peppers (but not green)
• 1 small can of chiles or 1/3 cup Salsa Verde (spicy or mild to taste)
• 2 medium gold or butter potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 container of low sodium vegetable, turkey, or chicken broth (about 4 cups)
• Few bunches of fresh baby spinach
• 4-5 large button mushrooms cleaned and sliced (although, sadly my husband won’t eat mushrooms!)
• 1 low-sodium vegetable bouillon cube (I use Edward & Sons, Garden Veggie, Bouillon Cubes)
• Parmesan to taste (about 1/3 cup) plus to sprinkle on top of your bowl of stew
• 3 cloves chopped garlic
• 1 cup rinsed and uncooked farro
• Small can of crushed tomatoes or 1 cup of marinara sauce (I use ½ jar Wegmans marinara)
• Spices to taste like salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes. I use all these, minus the salt, and add a couple of dashes of Spice Islands Organic Garlic & Herb Seasoning as it has salt in it.
• ½ pound turkey sausage crumbled and cooked ahead of time. I buy a 3-pack of Italian turkey sausage, cut off the casing, and cook until crumbly in a pan.
DIRECTIONS:
• In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté leek, turnip, onion, mushrooms, peppers, and potatoes for about 5 minutes until they’re crisp and tender.
• Add all other ingredients BUT the spinach and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to simmer and cook for approximately 25 minutes or until the farro has softened. Add more spices as needed for your favorite heat level.
• Stir in the spinach and remove the pot from heat. Let the spinach wilt.
• Scoop into a bowl, sprinkle with parmesan, and a side of good crusty bread for dipping.
YUM! Even better the next day. Easily makes dinners for 3 nights for 2 people! Or freeze part of it or have for lunch.
If you’re trying to find sunshine in winter, I hope you create a daily schedule that helps you thrive. Spring will come soon!
