One of my favorite books as a young child was a book titled Chicken Soup with Rice, by Maurice Sendak. My kindergarten or 1st grade teacher would read it to us and I absolutely loved it. There was a poem for each of the month. And whether it was January, February, June or July, every month was perfect for Chicken Soup with Rice! My favorite as a child was probably the months of June or July because that meant summer time and no school. But now that I’m older, I always enjoy it when I get to read the months of January and February. These months are after the holiday hussle and bustle and they are quieter and less rushed. The days are short and the nights are long. Funny how things change.

I love winter! I love the month of January. It’s a newfound love, maybe the past several years as I’ve learned to understand what winter really means. I’m beyond hoping the days will pass so that the Spring or summer would arrive. I’m past trying to fill and plan the days so that they are full and time passes. Now I want to be inside of winter, just like a child. To fully be present and appreciate all that winter brings.