My to-dos before the snow melts
Getting ready for the astrological new year, spring
Dear reader,
In celebration of my birthday next week, I am running the biggest sale of the year to celebrate! From today through March 19th, upgrade to a paid subscription for 60% off the usual price. That is $2/month (less than your morning matcha) or $24 for the whole year. Best birthday gift you can give me!
Four years ago, I moved from the desert to the Pacific Northwest. Living here has forced taught me to move with the seasons. After four winters on this land, the darkest, coldest months have become the time when I replenish my energy, truly rest, and allow myself to slow down. Because of that, I’ve stopped thinking of January as the beginning of my new year. For me, spring, the astrological new year, marks the true start of the year.
This time of the year, late winter, also coincides with Pisces season: a liminal space where we are invited to reflect on what we lived in previous months, to dream, soften, and tend to our emotional and spiritual worlds as we prepare for renewal.
Across many northern Indigenous communities, late winter has long been understood as a season of spiritual preparation for the coming spring. Among Inuit communities, this time has traditionally centered on gathering what is essential, strengthening communal bonds, and turning inward.
I recently borrowed Inuit Women Artists from the library—a collection of drawings that documents life in the North through the eyes of women. It was enlightening to learn through these illustrations how these communities have existed and resisted in close relationship with the land for centuries, guided by a profound reverence and respect for nature. Highly recommend you take a peek at the book if you can.
To-dos before the snow melts:
Take inventory of your energy drainers: Late-night scrolling? Making impulsive purchases after indulging on TikTok? Make a list of what is no longer serving you as you move into a new season.
Finish (or drop) a project: Close a creative loop before starting something new. You don’t have to stick with things just because you said you would. It’s okay to change your mind!
Declutter one drawer or corner: I’m doing a big spring cleaning in my closet, taking some stuff to the thrift store, and selling another portion. If it’s been in my closet for more than 4-6 months and I didn’t wear it, it’s out.
Mend or repair something: Sit down with a cup of tea and lots of patience, and mend that sweater that’s been missing a few buttons since last fall! I did this a couple of weeks ago, and it was very satisfying. There’s beauty in repairing what you own instead of running to order something new online.
Get involved in your community: Book that volunteer session, or email someone new to have a coffee chat. Remember that spending time in community is important as we come out of hibernation.
Spend time outside in the cold: Later in the year, we will miss the breeze of a nice winter morning walk. Go outside, even for 10 minutes, and witness how nature transitions to spring.
Create something with your hands: We love crafts here, of course. Something I love to do at the beginning of each year is to make a photo album that includes photos of my previous seasons. I love to decorate it with stickers and memorabilia, scrapbook vibes. Don’t let your photos get lost in the cloud! Print them and make a cute photo album for your future self and family. Here’s some inspiration to get you started.
I’m sharing some of my favorite early spring flowers for you to update the folder icons on your desktop and make it even cuter this spring. 📁 Updating the icons is very simple, I’ll add a step-by-step below! Paid readers, scroll down to download the flowers and a bonus surprise 🥀
Upgrade to a paid subscription for 60% off the usual price. That is $2/month (less than your morning matcha) or $24 for the whole year.
