It’s that time of year again—the stretch of the shortest days where I feel the weight of winter and the pull of time slipping through my fingers. I’m a 42-year-old mom of three, and like so many others, I’m counting down the days until the sun stays out longer. I can’t wait for those evenings when it sets past 5 p.m., then 7 p.m… those moments when I feel the day still has life in it. I need that warmth, that energy from the sun to feel like I’m running at full speed.
But then, as I rush toward longer days, I also wish time would slow down. I don’t want to miss these little moments with my kids—their laughter, the way they ask endless questions, the small things that make this stage of life so magical. They’re growing so fast, and I can’t help but want to hold onto these years just a little longer.
To get through the cold, dark days, I’ve found a few strategies that help keep the winter blues at bay. At work, I keep a UV light on my desk to mimic the sun’s natural glow, which helps boost my energy and mood. At home, I turn on every light I can in the afternoons and evenings to stave off that early “bedtime” feeling that creeps in when it gets dark by 4 p.m.
I also love using beach screensavers and backgrounds on my devices—it might not be the real thing, but seeing the ocean or a sunny beach helps me feel a little warmer. During my workday, I play “nature relaxation” sounds—birds chirping, waves crashing—a little reminder of the outdoors that helps me breathe easier.
And, of course, I start planning summer activities as early as possible, making those sunny days seem just a little bit cr.
Winter also brings the dreaded reality of multiple illnesses spreading through schools like wildfire. Every day, another cold, flu, or bug is making the rounds, leaving us feeling drained, juggling work, kids’ school schedules, and the stress of staying healthy. It’s tough when we can’t attend fun events or gather with friends like we want to, all because of the constant worry that someone might be sick, or worse, that we might be the next to catch it.
It’s a constant balancing act, trying to stay productive and present while dealing with sick days, quarantines, and the continual push and pull of everyone’s well-being. If it were safe to have a full-body mist machine that sprays Lysol, I’d be the first in line!
So, here I am, stuck in a weird paradox: I wish away the cold and the dark but want to savor every minute with my little ones as they are right now. As I make it through these long, chilly days, I remind myself that the sun will return, but I can’t rush the time with them—it’s precious, fleeting, and one of the biggest joys of my life.
