An ordinary Thursday morning, the 1st of December.
It’s still dark.
As I wake up, I notice an unusual sense of lightness, as if a burden has lifted.
I’m writing this a few days later, and I’m glad you can’t see me.
It’s cold, and I’m wearing a dressing gown over my clothes. I briefly interrupt my typing to wrap my fingers around a hot cup of tea.
I’m surprised I’m coping with the cold.
I am not a winter person
Most of summer, I wear a fleece to keep warm. The northwest of England doesn’t get much sunshine, and on a dreary day in June or July, I sometimes switch on the heating.
But this year, I’ve surprised myself.
I resist switching on the heating. We’re saving energy.
Living with chronic pain has taught me how to be comfortable with discomfort.
I’ve learned to be curious about the pain in my body, and I can apply that same curiosity to the cold, too. The cold creeps up from my feet to my knees. My fingers feel stiff but I can still type.
Pain used to trigger many emotions. Frustration. Fear. Worry. Stress. Panic.
What if this pain indicates another setback? What if the pain gets too much? What if just thinking about the pain makes it worse?
I learned to observe my emotions and then let them drift away. Without emotions, pain becomes just pain. No suffering.
I keep practicing, and every year, the emotions triggered by pain lessen. I carry my pain more lightly.
Being cold is not much different. I don’t need to fight the cold. I can welcome the cold, lean into it, and live with it.
But tiredness seems different …
In March 2021, in a Skype call, I discuss healing from trauma with C., a psychotherapist.
What do you find most difficult?, she asked me.
I remember it well. I didn’t hesitate to answer: Being exhausted. I am always exhausted.
I was surprised to hear the frustration in my voice. Hadn’t I learned to enjoy a slower pace of life? Wasn’t I doing quite well? Why was being tired so hard for me?
Our society celebrates busyness. We have to do more, work more, party more, hustle more. If you’re not busy, there’s something wrong with you, right?
I came to realize that I can accept pain but not tiredness.
A fallow period
In her book Wintering, Katherine May writes about the fallow periods in our lives.
I know the concept of fallow land when farmland is left idle for one growing season so it can restore its fertility for the next season.
Similarly, a fallow period is a quiet time. Maybe a time where we’re grieving or depressed or ill. Maybe we feel blocked or sidelined or rejected. Katherine May invites us to reframe such a period. No matter what season of the year it is, we’re wintering:
Plants and animals don’t fight the winter; they don’t pretend it’s not happening and attempt to carry on living the same lives that they lived in the summer. They prepare. They adapt. They perform extraordinary acts of metamorphosis to get them through. Winter is a time of withdrawing from the world, maximising scant resources, carrying out acts of brutal efficiency and vanishing from sight; but that’s where the transformation occurs. Winter is not the death of the life cycle, but its crucible.
A crucible is a trial that creates something new. Wintering is such a trial—a period when we reflect and reinvent ourselves.
I’d like to tell you that I was a good student, that I embraced May’s words of wisdom, that I quickly learned how to welcome my winter and give myself time to recuperate.
But it took me nearly two years …
I have many negative associations with tiredness.
Tiredness is for the sick and elderly. Not for me. Tiredness is about being weak and unproductive. Tiredness is nothing if you just push through.
Buried deep inside me, I find a deep shame about being tired, about not keeping up. Tiredness makes me feel less worthy.
I have to face my shame before I can accept May’s wisdom, before I can learn to hibernate, before I can invite this winter in.
But I am learning. Just like I can sit with pain or coldness, I can sit with my tiredness, too. Just like I can let go of my fear of pain, I can let go of my shame, too.
I can listen to my body. I can lean into my tiredness. I can even learn to be grateful for this period of reflection and the wisdom it might bring. As May writes:
Wintering brings about some of the most profound and insightful moments of our human experience, and wisdom resides in those who have wintered.
Winter wisdom
On that chilly, dark morning, the 1st of December, I finally feel it in my bones: I am enough. I don’t need to try harder. I am loved just like I am.
The burden of “should do more” has lifted. I feel lighter. I feel joy.
In the darkness, I squeeze my husband’s hand. I enjoy the warmth of the duvet a bit longer.
I know, no matter what, things will be okay.
Maybe spring will arrive soon.
And if spring doesn’t arrive, I know how to enjoy the quietness of winter.
Thank you for reading.
This is my last blog post for 2022, and I’d like to wish you a joyful Christmas and a happy, healthy, and creative new year. Take good care of yourself.
See you in 2023?
Book mentioned in this post:
- Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May (highly recommended)
Henneke, thank you for sharing your wintertime with us. I appreciate you describing your personal experience with pain and cold, and your courage to overcome them. I also agree that our culture worships busyness and many people never allow themselves to “lie fallow” so they can be more fruitful later.
For chronic pain, an interesting book I recommend is Dr. Bradley Nelson’s “The Emotion Code.” See if any part of it resonates with you. I wish you a wonderful and happy 2023!
Thank you so much for the book recommendation, Viv. I had a quick look at the description on Amazon and it sounds really interesting.
Sending you my best wishes for a joyful and creative 2023!
Hi Henneke
A couple of years ago I decided I wanted to improve my writing and in my search for inspiration I came across your blog.
Your nuggets of advice and support have been instrumental to calming my inner critic and developing my approach to writing. Whilst my writing is not prolific or particularly significant I have received positive feedback from those who have enjoyed reading my contribution to our monthly newsletter. Your writing has been an influence on my writing.
After reading the last comment from Bridget below, I decided to let you know you have another fan in NZ. The UK winters were one of the factors behind my immigration to NZ.
Thankyou for sharing your insights. I look forward to reading more in 2023
Hi Claire,
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback on my writing. What pleases me most is that your inner critic has become calmer. It’s also great that you’re receiving positive feedback on your writing. I’m sure your writing is more significant and has more impact than you think!
It’s so lovely to have so many readers in NZ and elsewhere in the world. It feels good to be connected 🙂
Happy writing in 2023!
Dear Henneke, this may sound odd, and I really hope, not stalkery or weird, (!) but your writing is so beautiful, and your personality shines through it so powerfully; sometimes I feel like I actually know you in real life! Thank you for opening up to us with such humility, humour, tenderness and sparkliness. As many others have said, your newsletters win ALL the prizes. This post touched me especially, as I also live with chronic pain and fatigue. I’m so sorry you’ve been dealt that blow. Wishing you an exquisite 2023, from NZ, where we’re not currently wintering, but I get it! Winter is tough on sore bods. Fun tip. I bought an Oodie, and my life took a dramatic turn for the better in winter. Wearing one of those, nursing a hottie on my lap, and enjoying a hot cup of something while working is just, mwah! xx
Dear Bridget, It’s not stalkery or weird at all. I take it as a big compliment. When I read a good memoir, I feel like I get to know the author, too. It sometimes feels like I can befriend someone just by reading their work.
Thank you for your kind words on my writing. I googled Oodies and they do look comfy and warm!
Sending you my best wishes for an inspirational and joyful 2023!
Love you! Happy New Year.
PS – and I really want your chronic pain gone forever
Awww, thank you, Michael. Love you, too. And thank you for continuing to read me after all these years. Happy New Year!
Yes, we have to listen to our body. This is what I am currently experiencing. Our body but also our mind must recover: for a better daily life.
I didn’t know you were in pain every day. You have transformed your pain in a positive way: you are learning to separate your emotions from this pain and to accept it within you.
I also wish you a happy, healthy and creative new year!
You’re right. It is transformative—to learn how to listen to my body, to become more comfortable with any type of discomfort, and to become more compassionate with myself (and also others!). I really think it’s helping me become a better human being.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts, Alexandra. I much appreciate it. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and creative new year!
I didn’t know you suffer pain. So sorry. You project warmth and kindness. Allow me to offer a few words of comfort. Pick up your Bible and read 2 verses that promise better times ahead free of pain — even death. Rev 21:3-5; Psalm 37:9-11, 29, 34. These are words of comfort and hope.
Hope hibernate well this winter.
Honestly, the pain is manageable. I’ve learned over the years to pace myself and to avoid stressful events as much as I can. Sometimes I still get bad flare ups but even then, I know it’ll pass with patience and self-compassion. And now I’m even learning how to hibernate!
Thank you for stopping by, Donna. I’m sending you my best wishes for a joyful and healthy 2023!
Dear Henneke,
Thank you for your wonderful posts this year. You are an inspiration to so many people. I hope 2023 is a better year for your health.
Thanks so much, Sue. Sending you my best wishes for a joyful 2023, too!
Lovely piece. As a nation, we applaud busy ness. Yet reflection and listening to our inner selves brings new insights that carry us thru any situation. Wintering is a good way of looking forward to stopping and growing new ideas and connections. Thank you
Yes, so true: “Reflection and listening to our inner selves brings new insights.” I’ve learned so much about life and myself already. Thanks so much for stopping by, Sally. I appreciate your comment.
Vulnerable and wonderful writing. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Wendy.
Wintering explores how she not only endured this painful time, but embraced the singular opportunities it offered.
It’s a wonderful book indeed.
You are one of my favorite writers. I’ve never had a bad reading experience with you — and I have learned so much. I apologize for not reading more of your emails/posts. You are one of the few newsletters I archive. I have plenty to catch up on before the new year.
To a Happy, Healthy, and “Winterized” Henneke.
Happy Holidays to you and your hubby.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Dom. Please know there’s never an obligation to read my work. I know that I can’t always turn up in your inbox at the right time. That’s okay. My blog is here when you’re ready.
Thanks so much for stopping by. I much appreciate it. Sending you my best wishes for happy holidays, and a joyful new year!
Dear Henneke,
Thank you for this and so many thoughtful and honest posts.
You are definitely enough – and so much more! I wish you could feel the warmth of your impact to the depth of your bones and soul.
I love and relate to so many of your posts. I look forward to as many more as you have in you.
Have a happy, healthy and hopefully painfree 2023!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Cecelia. It warms my heart ❤
Sending you my best wishes for a happy, healthy, and creative 2023!
My favourite post of this year! I couldn’t relate any more to it Henneke. I hope to be as enlightened and forgiving of myself as you are – it’s not easy as you mention.
Wishing you joy, delightful routine and peace this new year! Lots of love from London.
Thank you, Virginia. It was also the post that was hardest to write. I started practicing self-compassion a few years ago, and it makes it easier to be kind to myself and forgiving. I’ve found Kristin Neff’s work useful. And of course, Katherine May’s book comes highly recommended, too.
Sending you my best wishes for a joyful and creative new year. Lots of love from the northwest 🙂
Henneke
I’m so sorry, I had no idea you live with constant pain. I pray for it to go away! Tiredness I understand, as do I the need to do more. I’m trying to deal with both myself too, so I push myself to take walks now that we are full-time RVers and sit around too much. My dogs help, they need walking too, so I take one or both with me. The gorgeous scenery and moderate temps here in Arizona (our first big trip) help as well. I also make myself join the community in two game nights a week, plus anything else I hear about that sounds fun to attend.
I hope you do better with it in the coming year and I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Walking is so good for us, isn’t it? I don’t have dogs but I do try to walk daily. The more I can walk, the better I feel. It’s good for the body, and good for the mind.
Wishing you a merry Christmas and a joyful New Year, full of happy travel adventures.
Oops, I forgot to wish you Happy Holidays!! Hoping for a quieter 2023!
Happy holidays to you, too, Elfin. Sending you my best wishes for a peaceful, creative 2023!
Henneke, I feel I could have written most of this post. I’ll have to print this out and keep it handy. You’ve given shape and words to my feelings over the last few years and that’s a beau gift for me because until now, it was just an unformed cloud of discomfort floating around in me.
But I have to ask you, I’m saving on heat too but I find it affects my mind and thoughts negatively. I start going into fight or flight mode so I’m a bit surprised that you’re able to handle it so well.
Yes, I know. It’s hard when you go into fight or flight mode all the time. One thing that helps me is observing what happens in my body when I go into fight or flight mode. The other thing is grounding—focusing on my feet or sensory awareness can help me stay grounded. Not all senses work for me. For instance, paying attention to sounds can heighten my stress. But smell in particular can help keep me grounded. I often spray a little perfume on the inside of my wrists so I can sniff briefly throughout my days. Also, paying attention to the smell of my tea and feeling the cup warming my hands. My practice is far from perfect but I’m getting better at it and it helps me become less reactive and more resilient. There’s still a long way to go but I’m more hopeful this year than I’ve felt for years.
I hope this helps. Please do email me if you’d like to continue this conversation. I’d be curious to hear what has worked for you.
Happy holidays Henneke see you in 2023 God willing. I’m at the beginning of my writing career and your newsletters have been helpful.
Thank you, Susan. I’m glad my newsletters are helpful. Sending you my best wishes for a joyful and creative 2023. Happy writing!
Writing connects us, companions us in word form, and even though feeling far from home and isolated this Christmas, your writing has helped bridged that gap with its honesty, depth, beauty and clarity. Thank you for the enchantment and the connection, and sending much love from hot sunny Australia! (a wee bit envious of your winter duvet at the moment I’ve got to say! You’ve inspired me to see the heat a bit differently, will try a summer ode to expand my appreciation for it.. 🙂 )
Thank you Henneke for sharing such thoughtful and empowering prose once again..
Yes, writing connects us. This is one of the reasons why writing is so important to me, and why I so much appreciate comments like yours.
And you’re right, waking up under a warm duvet is one of the pleasures in winter that I’ve come to appreciate. Another one: Making Dutch ham and pea soup (and also eating it!).
Sending you my best wishes for Christmas. I’ll be with you in spirit and with everyone who feels isolated, lonely, or exhausted. ❤
I’m so grateful I read that. You’re enough. You’re perfect just the way you are.
Thank you for sharing this with all us. I appreciate your vulnerability and now I feel you even closer. You’re an awesome writer and I admire you so very much. Happy holidays 🥰
Thank you for your lovely comment, Magi. Happy holidays to you, too! ❤
I so enjoyed reading this.
I live in Jamaica so I don’t have to experience the type of winter you speak of, the almost excruciating (it seems) cold. But I can identify with the winters in day-to-day experiences, and I can appreciate the concept of the crucible, for it is from these “winters” that my life has emerged, time and again, and it is from these winters that I have seen others capsize.
May your winter be warm.
PS. I will now prepare a sermon about “the crucible”
I’m learning that there are many variations of cold. I do not mind to go out for a walk in the cold. I actually enjoy wrapping up and being active. And if there’s snow (which is rare here), the landscape is so beautiful. I also love coming home after a cold walk. There’s a special feeling when you open the door and the warmth greets you. So, that’s one of the things that’s harder as we’re saving energy. The house isn’t warm. So, walking outside in the cold is nicer than being at home. Then there’s also a big difference to a cold day with a blue sky and the grey cold we experience here. We get very little sunshine. I’ve learned to make the most of the few sun rays we get.
Crucible is an interesting concept, isn’t it? A lot to talk about in your sermon.
Thank you for sharing so openly, it was a beautiful read and was as if I was reading my personal journey, so it touched me very deeply. I love your writing and your generosity in sharing your gift, which inspires me to cultivate mine. 🙂
Blessings for this years end and through the years to come.
Thank you, Tia. That’s such a lovely comment. What makes me most happy is that you feel inspired to cultivate your gifts. Sending you my best wishes for a joyful and creative 2023.
Thank you yet again Henneke for a powerful post.
Your reflections show us the value in being ourselves, whatever the season. And the gentle ways we can be strong.
I’ve learned so much from you about writing and being seen for who I am.
Hugs from Australia and wishes for a more pain-free 2023.
Thank you, Jeanette. I love how you put this: the gentle ways we can be strong. That’s so true.
Sending hugs and my best wishes for a joyful 2023.
I was so moved with your writing that I felt the pain, the cold, the changing season as real as they could be.
Thanks for sharing.
Hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
Thank you, Nendy. Sending you a warm hug and my best wishes for a joyful holiday season.
Beautifully written. 🙏
Thank you, Linda 🙏
Very insightful post! It’s been nice reading from your blog. I must say I enjoy going through your write-ups. I’ve learned a lot.
Thank you, Godfrey. I’m glad you’re enjoying my writing.
Possibly the most beautiful thing you’ve ever written. And you’ve written some beautiful things.
Thank you so much, Katherine. That means a lot to me. Especially as you’ve been following me from the early days. ❤
Hi Henneke,
You used the phrase, “writing keeps you alive”, how true that is. Life saving thoughts can fly from your heart, mind and memory so quickly, well before they have had chance to help build a fortress.
Recording them not only preserves but adds authenticity to them, which in turn gives them power.
Power that we need, power that we can use.
You are a beautiful writer, passing power to your readers in such an enchanting way.
THANK YOU.
Ian McCall
Thank you for your lovely compliment, Ian. I have written before that writing makes me feel most alive. But I think it goes further. It keeps me alive as writing helps me stay connected to myself and the world. It gives meaning to my days.
Beautiful words that bring with them, your heart and humanity.
You have written one true sentence.
One after the other.
And helped us all join you in a walk across winter’s fallow ground. Not so fallow after all
Restorative and serene in preparation of spring
Henneke, thank you
May you and yours have a warm and wonder-filled Christmas
Thank you for your kind words, Dennis. It’s good to walk together. It strengthens me. Sending you and yours my best wishes for a joyful Christmas, too. And what a lovely phrase: Wonder-filled.
Thank you Henneke for letting us see your struggle. It takes true bravery to share your most vulnerable side so openly. I like what Brene Brown says about vulnerability: that is our most accurate measure of courage. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked up to you for inspiration, not only for the most helpful writing advice out there but for that personal encouragement to keep going, to keep showing up. I owe you so much; I know it is not just me feeling that way. You’ve built an amazing community around your work and I hope in moments of coldness and darkness you can feel the love and appreciation coming from all over the world. Thank you! Hope you have a peaceful end of the year and I can’t wait to connect more with you in 2023! Big hugs from Bulgaria.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Irina. Your warm-hearted comment means a lot to me. I used to think that being vulnerable was a sign of weakness but I have learned that sharing makes me stronger. It’s weird how that works. Thank you for stopping by. I am sending hugs to you in Bulgaria! See you next year.
A lovely post – thank you. A few months ago, someone whose opinions I respect said, “Resting is doing. It is an essential part of survival.” I believe that when our bodies and our hearts tell us we need to rest, we are happier and we do better when we listen. Happy wintering, Henneke. All good wishes to you in 2023.
Yes, that’s so true. Resting is doing. Well said. I’ve learned there are many different ways to rest and we just have to find what works. Each year I learn to listen to my body a little more. Happy holidays, Rachel, and best wishes for a joyful 2023!
This touches me in more ways than one, it’s been a year of learning indeed.
I love the rawness of your words, and the warmth of them as they each show you, just the way you are. It’s true, you are enough.
What a worthy reminder for all of us!
Thank you, Henneke.
Wishing you a magical Christmas as well, enjoy the slowness and calmness of the long winter days. (It’s -22 here in western Canada as I write this, and snowing).
-22! I do hope you’ve put the heating on so you can return a warm home after a cold walk. I actually can quite enjoy a cold walk. It’s the dreary cold that I am struggling most with. But I am learning to appreciate this grey season.
Thank you for your warm and kind words, Daniela. Sending my best wishes to you for a wonderful white Christmas and a joyful new year.
Even when you share your struggles, your kind, genuine vulnerability encourages me and I feel lifted, my burden lightened. Your writing skill is such a gift, but never more so than when it opens a window for us all to see the gift that is you. Sending you love.
Thank you so much, Laurie. You’ve written that so beautifully, and it’s such a lovely compliment. It means a lot to me. Sending hugs back!
“Don’t sweat the petty things. Don’t pet the sweaty things.”
I’m trying to embrace these concepts. I’m not always perfect. On that note, excuse me, I really should go wash my hands.
Thanks for your awesome posts, always.
Phil
Thank you for being here, Phil. And thank you for all your encouragement and your book recommendations.
Sending you my best wishes for a healthy, happy, and creative 2023!
I live in a hot country, Henneke, and it’s uncharacteristically hot in my state this winter. I do feel tired around midday and take a nap almost every day. And I’ve also learned to work through tiredness and stay productive. Tiredness (and sometimes mental exhaustion) used to be a challenge 10 years ago, but thankfully it’s no longer such a big issue.
I wanted to thank you because over the years, I have found your copywriting tips very useful. Whenever I get stuck, I visit your website for ideas to get unstuck.
I sincerely hope 2023 will be the best year of your life.
I know. Heat can be too much as well. It’s relentless in many places in this world. Just not the northwest of England.
I’m glad my site is serving you well. It’s such an honor that you come back whenever you feel stuck. Thank you.
Sending you my best wishes for a joyful 2023!
I feel this too. So much.
I’m sending hugs!
Just beautiful. Thank you.
Thank you, Nancy.
The First Snow
The curtain falls
upon my garden’s actors.
Silent, they bow.
I feast once again.
***
Thank you for the beauty and wisdom of your thoughts, Henneke
Thank you for your beautiful poem, Alice.
Sorry to hear how your pain and fatigue plagues you. Thank you for sharing how you embrace your situation. A lesson for all of us. Because we all have “something.” I can’t wait to see the wisdom this May brings to you! Blessings to you and your family this holiday season!
Yes, I know, we all have something and often we don’t know from each other what is happening behind a brave face. Thank you for being here, Margie. Sending you and yours my best wishes for a joyful holiday season!
A beautiful post, Henneke. Thank you for sharing. Your biggest lesson resonates so much with me. Wishing you a wonderful year of health and happiness is 2023. Hugs from Canada
Thank you, Gay. Sending hugs back to Canada, and my best wishes for a healthy, happy and creative 2023!
Henneke,
You have been an inspiration to me. I’ve paid thousands of dollars to others to teach me how to write. But your course, your blogs, your experience, shared constantly, inspires me the most.
I’m a wannabe writer and hope one day I can write like you. You have built in me the new ideas, taken away the fear, but I still have to write and haven’t. Thank you for all you do for us.
Thank you so much, Carmen. That’s lovely feedback. Please keep in mind that you don’t need to be a writer or feel like writer. Sometimes the labels (“writer” or “wannabe writer”) can get in the way of doing (writing). Take it step by step! I’d been writing for a long time before I felt like a writer.
Thank you so much for sharing with honesty and authenticity, Henneke. I needed this right now since I’m going through a dark time myself. Like you, I’m working on observing and letting go. I wish you peace and blessings in the New Year. Please keep writing!
Thank you, Lucie. I’m glad this resonated and that you found it useful. It’s amazing how powerful “observe and let go” is, isn’t it? The more I practice, the better I get at it and the more I learn about myself. Wishing you a beautiful and lighter new year!
It has been a challenging year for all of us, but reading your blog posts makes it so much easier. Many thanks for spreading your insights and warmth.
Paer
Thank you, Paer. That’s such a lovely thing to write. Sending you my best wishes for a joyful 2023!
Thank you for your honesty. At times I find it exhausting to put on the brave face that I have come to learn is dishonest. You are a joy and a gift. Thank you. Happy Christmas and on to an healthy and happy 2023.
I find it difficult. In most situations, people don’t expect us to be honest. It’s often easier to hide, and I think that’s okay as long as there are people we can be honest with. Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a happy, healthy, and creative 2023!
Lovely. See you in 2023 🎉
Thank you, Nnenna. See you in 2023! 🙂
Thank you for your words and thoughts. Thank you for being so vulnerable and honest. Thank you for being you. Big hug.
Happy holidays and may your 2023 be full of wisdom and inspiration. You inspire me to write and explore the posssibilities.
Thank you so much, Michael. I appreciate your kind words. Happy holidays to you, too. And I wish you lots of writing joy in 2023.
Henneke! This really resonates with me. Thank you for writing so beautifully and for being open about the challenges you are facing. I feel like I’m in a wintering stage as well. My counselor says one of the greatest life lessons is “the severe mercy of radical acceptance.” Awareness is the first step and I am thankful to have people like you bring more awareness to life. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Yes, that’s what I’ve learned, too: Awareness is the first step. I’ve been surprised how hard that can be. I’m good at hiding things for myself. Sending you my best wishes for a joyful Christmas, too!
That is a lovely post. I understand about the shame, but it is so unfair. An accident happened to you, not by you. You have been so very brave for so many years now!
Wishing you a very happy and light 2023.
I sometimes wonder whether I’ve been trying to be too brave, trying too hard to keep things running. Who knows. Writing also keeps me alive.
Wishing you a joyful and creative 2023. Thank you for being here.
Ah. Back to your therapist it is!
Still beating yourself up.
Stop it!
Ha! I’m actually not beating myself up this time. I’m just telling myself I don’t need to be brave.
What an insightful post, Henneke although I must say I’m the opposite to you – I dislike the heat. Thank goodness we’re all different 😊
And you might like to try out a Onesie. I know, I know, but I bought one and now I have the heating on just 2 hours in the morning an evening. The other times I wear the Onesie – obvs not to go out in. A good investment 👍
Happy Christmas to you and your family. x
I’ve even been wearing a woolly hat at home! Summer will always be my favorite but even so, I’m starting to understand why some people like winter.
Happy Christmas to you and yours, too.
Thank you for all of your work. All the best in the New Year 🙂
My pleasure, Dejan. Best wishes to you for 2023!
It’s been a challenging year. Many friends and family members left us. However, we are here and hopeful.
Thanks for sharing! great thoughts.
All the best for 2023.
Sending you my best wishes for the new year. I am sorry 2022 was so tough for you and I hope that 2023 will be better. ❤