February

I didn’t think I’d be waking up to snow again, but it was a gentle reminder that we are still in the depths of winter. On the meteorological calendar, winter ends on February 28th. But if we define it by the sun’s position on the astronomical one, it doesn’t end until March 20th. I know a lot of people signal the start of spring with the arrival of March, but it’s technically not until it is nearly ending. Alas, let’s not get caught up in the small technicalities. January is over.

If January taught me one thing, it’s that I want to continue this year with nervous system regulation. The first month of the year was a lot. So much is happening in the world right now, it is so easy to become overwhelmed with anguish. But as much as I want to speak up and out for politics and every other wretched thing happening, I have to be aware of it not consuming the entirety of my personality. I still have to be the strong, happy mother. I still have to show love and kindness to my family, be a welcoming person to be around. It can be disparaging when you want to change the world but can’t.

So I have to focus on mending my nervous system, to not be highly triggered by things that I unfortunately can’t change. It really is important to look after yourself and your mental state. You can still be outspoken about terrible things whilst healing your inner self. Whether that means taking space from things that affect you or removing yourself from all news streams for a while. It’s important.

Maybe the amount of good things in your life depends on your ability to notice them.

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I like February as a month because I get to celebrate some of my favourite people, and this year my mom has a super special birthday. I also love doting on my daughter around Valentine’s, she is the love of my life after all. I think showing your daughter how she deserves to be loved is vital.

So what are my plans for February? Well, I’m continuing my daily walks, as they are really helping. I noticed a girl I follow started romanticising her breakfast and I think that is such a wonderful idea. Being more intentional with my time, doom scrolling is not for me anymore. Trying to break the habit has been harder than I expected. But I really want to try and crack it. I read five books in January and I’m proud of that, but I’d like to crank up the reading. I have The Count of Monte Cristo to read, all 1200 pages.

I’d also really like to make more art. Him outdoors keeps reminding me to paint, which I adore. So I’m going to make a more conscious effort to do that. I’d also like to get the garden in order for seed sowing. Clean the greenhouse and poly, plan my vegetable garden, figure out what cut flowers I’m going to grow this year.

Here’s to February.