10 Things Saving My Life Right Now: Winter Edition

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I am a summer girl. All the way. Winter is a strugggggle for me.

Every. Single. Day.

But I live in Connecticut so…I have to find a way through it!

When I saw that one of my favorite bookish people, Anne Bogel (blogger, podcaster, and all-around book queen) did a post on what’s saving her life and encouraged us all to do the same, I knew that I had to participate. You can read her post here and how she originally learned about this idea.

The purpose is to focus on the little things that are helping us through the dark, pandemic days of winter. I could easily spout off 900 things I HATE about winter…but that defeats the purpose. So aside from books, which are my lifeline any time of year…here are some things that keep me going all winter!

1. My Libro.com subscription: While I am a huge “physical” book person (book or kindle) I have come to relish my audiobook subscription. It gets so dark, so early and after a long day on the computer I just can’t focus my eyes on anything else except the tasks at hand (picking the house up, getting dinner, driving kids to practices, etc) so audio has allowed me to keep “reading” without looking at any words! You can join here. (Disclaimer: this is a referral link and I will receive credit at no additional cost to you should you choose to join)
2. Memes. Sending them. Finding them. Getting them. Brings me so much joy.
3. Computer Ring Light: When we turned the clocks back in November, it started getting dark by 4:30pm. For someone who is on video calls sometimes until 6, this is not good news. I either look like a shadow of a person on screen or the regular room lamps cast an awful reflection on my face – I’ve found a ring light behind my computer gently fills in the light without being harsh. Shout out to my sister who bought me mine for Christmas last year!
4. One of my favorite writers, Suleika Jaouad, author of Between Two Kingdoms, offers a (free) substack newsletter as well as a paid membership group geared for writers. It includes weekly updates, writing challenges, interviews, and write-ins with other members and is an all-around welcoming community of writers. Check it out- The Isolation Journals with Suleika Jaouad: A newsletter for people seeking to transform life’s interruptions into creative grist.
5. The sun: I mean, it’s as simple as that. It is greatly welcomed any day we can get it.
6. But when the sun fails me, I also have a light box. I have had one for over 10 years and while they do not make the kind I currently have, there are plenty of options out there. Because mine is older, it’s pretty big. I love the desk top options they have now. When mine bites the dust, I am going for this one.
7. Podcasts: I got into Podcasts about 4 years ago when we moved to our current home. Some of my favorites are: What Should I Read Next, We Can Do Hard Things, Bad on Paper, Under the Influence, and Everything Happens. I’ve also loved The Drop Out: Elizabeth Holmes on Trial, In the Heights: Official Podcast, And Just Like That: The Writers Room, and Thoughts from a Page. There are millions out there- put in the search bar what your interests are and I have no doubt hundreds of options will pop up.
8. Spring/Summer clothes already coming out! Now I love cozy clothes and big sweaters and comfy socks but when the new seasonal stuff comes out it gives me hope the next season is not far away! It’s still 20 degrees here most days but I just bought this little purse as a mood boost that one day I will get to use it!
9. My Hatch! My husband surprised me with a Hatch for Christmas and I was so excited. I’ve been looking at them over the last year but it’s not something I would buy myself. I have the “restore” version and it’s perfect for my needs. My favorite features besides having the light and music come on slowly in the morning to help wake me up, is the timer I can set to shut the clock off so I don’t wake up all night long constantly looking at what time it is. I now know if there is no time displayed when I wake up, it’s somewhere between 11pm-6am and just to go back to bed.
10. Bullet Journaling. I never got into this until about 2 years ago and it’s very addicting. First of all, I can scroll the internet for hours looking at people’s creations if I am not careful…or buy $$$ of pens and notebooks (I use this one). Just Google bullet journaling and billions of options will come up. I don’t really consider myself artistic as far as drawing but the bullet journal makes it really easy to pull out the little artistic side that I have! Bullet Journaling can be used for just about anything. Drawing, Writing, list making, doodling, creating…people use them as planners, book trackers, vacation spreads, to-do lists, idea lists…the options are limitless!

What’s saving your life this winter?!