What if Winter were a person?

If Winter were personified, what would your relationship be like?

My 3 year old has recently discovered Winnie the Pooh. Those charmingly classic tales immediately transport me back to my own childhood.

Her current favourite story is one in which Pooh and his friends are told winter is coming. Believing winter is a person, they decide to throw him a party to welcome his arrival. Of course, in the end, they realise winter is not a who but a what, however they still decide to celebrate anyway.

This got me thinking; if Winter were in fact a person, would I be throwing them a welcome party?

Here’s a quick exercise for you; shuffle your cards and ask, “what is my relationship like with Winter?”

Start with one or two cards and see what comes up for you. Here are a few more prompts to feel into if you’d like to go deeper;

• Would Winters arrival be honoured and celebrated, welcomed and embraced? Or would they be feared, dreaded, avoided and ignored?

• What would their personality be like; warm and comforting, or harsh and distant? Is Winter a fun-loving uncle, a strict aunt, or perhaps even a playful cousin?

• What would Winter say to you? Would it wish you well or give stern advice?

In the past, I’d certainly be writing about those latter answers. Winter and I really didn’t get along. But this year, I am determined to work on our relationship. I am sitting on Winters lap and listening intently to its wise words. I am softening into its embrace, as it wraps its arms around me, rather than rigidly resisting it. I am welcoming it into my home, with reverence and respect, like a much loved family member, who has been away for months and has now returned with so many gifts for me.

I’d love to know how this feels for you and how you view your relationship with Winter. Feel free to comment below or reply to this email.

And if you enjoyed reading, please consider sharing with a friend for them to enjoy too x