Winter, let’s keep warm together?
Winter is truly one of my favourite times of the year — especially here in the southern part of Australia.
In Melbourne, winter gets properly cold, very different from the hot, humid weather you'll find in Singapore and many other parts of the world.
I know many people dislike winter because of the short days and cold winds, but I personally love it. I'd even go so far as to travel somewhere simply to experience a proper winter season.
Why is it one of my favourite seasons?
Firstly, it’s because of I get to wear so many cute winter outfits!
Turtlenecks layered under dresses, long plush socks, and oversized jackets make up much of my winter wardrobe. I simply adore winter fashion and cosy pyjamas, and there's something so delightful about wrapping yourself in layers, knowing the best bits are underneath.
And secondly, on an personal level, I find the long winter nights really good for my creativity, work and getting sh!t done.
I’m not sure what it is, but there’s just something about those extra-long gloomy nights that stretches on forever which seem to turn on my creative brain like no other season can.
I like making a hot steaming cup of tea and sitting down with my notepad or computer and working away for hours and hours, losing track of time and not knowing what time it is, only stopping in the early hours of the morning, and accomplishing so many things off my to-do list.
It isn’t just professional work that gets done, it’s also creative home projects and cooking projects that receive special attention in winter.
One of my favourite winter breakfasts: Porridge with berries, dizzled with honey and maple syrup, yum!
As a travelling muse who lives an extremely active life, I am normally not grounded in a place for long enough to get into my cooking mode (and I love to cook), so I especially treasure times like winter where I get to go on a self-imposed home arrest at home.
As much as I love adventuring and meeting new people, I equally love being a social recluse and staying in my house, especially when it is freezing outside and all you want to do is sit in your Pjs and thick socks and read a book.
I love living in a place where there are four seasons, you can really tell that time is passing by and you get to experience life in different modes, and experience different ways of being, all in one single year.
In Summer, no matter where you are, there is almost a constant pressure to be going out and doing things, being social, attending concerts and events and living life to the fullest.
The sun is out, people are more active and out and about, the days are longer, many venues run their summer specials, and in Australia festival season is happening, so there’s a lot of drive to be out there and not have FOMO.
I really like active times like that too, but I also find it nice to slow down and be at home for once.
And last but not least, I also love cold season because it is cuddle weather…
There’s something especially lovely about cozying up with a person you like in front of a fireplace, underneath thick wooly blankets, watching a film on TV or simply giving each other cuddles and bumping noses.
In summer, it’s time for adventures and being social with old and new friends.
In winter, it’s time for reflections, closeness with people in your inner circle, nurturing creativity, and slowing down and setting goals for next season.
Life, and the seasons, has a natural rhythm to it, and we should be wise to listen to it.
There is time for action and movement, and there is also time for stillness and going inwards.
If you’re in the Southern hemisphere, I hope that this winter brings you extra cuddle time with your loved ones.
And if you’re elsewhere, I hope that you know that you carry the seasons in you, and there is nothing wrong with embracing your inner winter, as that makes room for Spring to come later.
-Maxine x
♥️