With subzero temperatures creating an icy wonderland all around us here in December, I've been stuck at home for the last 2 days here on the hill. Stuck, that's the word that popped into my head today and I'm frustrated at having to postpone our Christmas workshop this evening due to an orange weather alert.  Being grounded at home with time to reflect reminds me of how much I do each day. Even though I consciously try and live a slower, less packed lifestyle, I still make many journeys out to the beach, to work, to see friends, activities and errands. Being stuck at home can feel frustrating, an inconvenience even or can we perhaps reframe it?....Am I stuck or can I embrace being still?

Early last week I looked ahead at my calendar - classes, three events, a corporate event, workshops, a seasonal soul circle, a list of work related to-dos, a busy unanswered inbox and I felt a bit overwhelmed, like there was just too much when all I want to do was rest and be still and just enjoy these last few weeks of the darkest time of the year before the wheel turns again on the 21st December.

Winter's energy is one of quiet reflection, of being still, of rest. But with a long Christmas break ahead, I was ready to power on until then, I was prepared for it even. I was taking care of myself (warm heathly food, long daily walks, staying connected to family and friends for some craic, an evening making my christmas wreath, vitamin D, no technology after 10pm etc) but honestly, despite knowing and doing all this, it still felt like fighting against the natural inclination to hibernate and slow down. Like I want to surrender, not prepare. Then the big freeze arrived. My drive way has been a sheet of ice for a few days now, the trees that surround me are so tall the sun doesnt rise high enough to melt the ice outside - my very own white winter kingdom. So I made choices about where I would go or not, whether I would travel beyond the wall or not (GoT reference there!) I gave myself permission not to do, but to just be and I spent some time writing and reading. Blissful once I gave into it with grace. I wrote a blog about a time of love & gluhwein (mulled wine) and shared my receipe in it, check it out below.

So you feel stuck or are you embracing still? If it's the former, how can you reframe it so that it feels more easeful and intentional for you? And if you're a jitter bug and need things to do (I can relate!) there's a few ideas below for you to try if you feel called to :)

Things you could try....

1. Read my latest blog about Love & Gluhwein and try my mulled wine recipe here

2. Tick off a few gifts from the Christmas list from the comfort of the sofa, how about an Ebb & Flow gift voucher?

3. Make a Christmas wreath or table centre piece with evergreens

4. Read a book by the fire (I'll share some winter recommendations soon)

5. Put up your tree / decorate your home with natural, simple decorations

6. Call an old friend to reconnect (someone did this to me this week and it brought me so much joy to hear their voice again

7. Listen to the Calm Christmas Podcast by Beth Kempton

8. Try my winter journaling prompts:

• What is this cold, icy weather inviting me to do right now?

• As we near the shortest day of the year, how am I embracing darkness in my life?

• What could I do to support my selfcare this week?

• In what aspect of my life would I benefit from surrendering?

Wishing a season of coziness and peace.

Le grá,

Maeve x