It’s that time of the year when it’s hard to get out of bed. Friends tell me, ‘I’ve lost my mojo.’ I know what they mean. But that’s okay. We are meant to slow down in Winter.

I haven’t wanted to communicate on social media for a few weeks now. Writing my novel is fine. But looking outward – communicating– requires a different kind of energy, one I seem to lack right now. Family illness and a recent bereavement have contributed to this, but I believe this is a natural state given the time of year. We are in winter, between the Autumnal equinox on 23^rd September 2023 and the Vernal Equinox in Spring – March 19^th 2024. A time of rest and recouoperation in preparation for the Spring.

We are part of nature and, as such, follow the same patterns and rules as all living things. The autumnal equinox marks the beginning of a growing cycle. It is a time to replenish and gather strength. In the autumn and winter, we often need more sleep and food – preferably nutritious food but for me its comfort foods – warm stews and fruit crumbles. We may choose to go inward and retreat from the world. If we could hibernate, I think some of us would.

22nd December 2023 (3.27 am GMT, to be precise) was the winter solstice. The longest night of the year and shortest day. Now we are moving towards the Spring Equinox when day and night are the same length – twelve hours apart. Maybe you are feeling a gradual return of your energy. Inspiration for new projects may nudge you, like tiny shoots beneath the soil.

Instead of beating myself up for failing to post regularly on social media or hit marketing targets, I am trying to embrace this period of replenishment and renewal. Some mornings – not all of them by any means – I get up early to practice yoga and meditate. This has made an incredible difference to my day. For example, I had been stuck with a plot point in my work in progress. An hour or so of yoga and meditation had ideas flowing. 

I imagine myself a bulb beneath claggy soil – gathering my strength so that I can push up through the earth and burst with vigour into spring. 

Do whatever you need to nourish your body and soul. Above all, be kind and patient with yourself.

Soon it will be Spring.