It is about that time of year. Our loss of daylight has already begun. We are faced with the same challenge of questioning what we will do with our upcoming months of cold weather and indoor hours. We are already facing the struggle of appreciating the moment we are in when we live in a world that focuses so heavily on the future. As a college student, it is hard to remember to live in the now when we are so worried about what our lives will look like in five years time. How often do you mention about how you can’t wait for the next season to come? Why is it so hard for us to appreciate the moments we are in? We can ask ourselves this question, but unless we work to change it, asking it is relatively useless.
It is so essential for you to make the best of every moment you are in. Appreciation for your current blessings do not invalidate your hope for change in the future. However, it can give you more direction moving forward. Appreciating your circumstances not only benefits who you are right now, but it also benefits the future version of yourself.
But how does one do that? For some people, appreciating now is the easiest thing ever, but for others, we need more direction on what that looks like. Fall and winter can feel like lulls because we are often too cold to leave our rooms. And yet, we can create amazing memories within these moments anyway.
Take a moment to think about some of your hobbies. Some of them may require better weather, but there are a few things you have been neglecting because staying inside when the sky is clear and the air is warm is dull. It may be that you haven’t baked in awhile, or read a book. Maybe you want to create a blanket or need to stop neglecting the thrift finds you were determined to alter. Have you seen the show or movie you have been waiting for the perfect moment to watch? When was the last time you brought out your art supplies, or took a walk outside in the cold and practiced your photography skills?
The days of winter are perfect for recollecting our lost experiences of the year. We can spend time inside without feeling guilty, or enjoy the outdoors before the rain becomes treacherous. We have the opportunity to seize the moments we are living in. We get to look forward to being done with finals, celebrating a holiday, appreciating a new year approaching. In these cold days, you can spend time with friends, celebrate with your family, or learn to appreciate the time you spend with yourself.
These are great times to celebrate and reflect on the person you are and the person you hope to become. It is a choice to utilize the time we are given rather than to wish the circumstances were different. Whether you love cold weather or hate it, you have the opportunity to make the most of your days and appreciate the crisp, gloomy days of winter.