Permission to Rest: My Journey with Lydia Millen's "Evergreen"

Every January, I'm that person. Armed with a fresh planner (with the year already mapped out), color coded goals and a VERY unrealistic burst of motivation, I throw myself into my New Year's goals. 

But by the end of the month, after my motivation wave dies down, when the world outside is still cold and gray and the days are so short, my body is hollering at me to slow down and I feel like a total failure. Why can't I match the relentless productivity plastered all across social media?

What Nature Already Knows

In the early years of education, we learned that bears hibernate over the winter to conserve energy and protect themselves from the winter elements. Trees shed their leaves in the fall to conserve energy through the winter as well. But we don’t view this as signs of weakness or laziness, they’re survival strategies used over millions of years! 

Isn’t it funny how bears don’t apologize for their winter rest? They don't set alarm clocks for 5 am workout sessions in January or feel guilty about their winter weight gain. Instead, they honor their bodies' natural rhythm, understanding that this period of rest is essential for their survival and renewal. 

Similarly, trees don't cling desperately to their leaves when autumn comes. They don't try to maintain summer's vibrant growth through the dark winter months. Instead, they release their leaves in a display of letting go, drawing their energy inward to protect their core and roots. This period of rest isn't unproductive – it's preparation for spring's new growth.

Nature shows us that rest isn't just acceptable – it's essential! Every season serves a purpose, and winter's purpose isn't endless productivity. It's a time for restoration, reflection, and gathering strength for the growth that will come naturally when the time is right.

Finding "Evergreen"

While nature freely embraces this rhythm of rest, I wanted to as well. But I was giving into the societal pressures of New Year's resolutions and goals and then feeling like a failure in the end when I wasn't meeting them. That's when I found Evergreen by Lydia Millen. I realized my body was trying to tell me to take advantage of my natural rhythms, versus trying to create new ones that go against every state of my natural being. 

As I started to pour myself into her book, I quickly learned that we all have a natural way of being and if you take the time to slow down and get quiet, you'll realize that this natural way of being aligns with nature. 

In the mid winter chapter of Evergreen, Lydia writes, “Set intentions and dreams from a place of rest”. Yes! Instead of having everything figured out by Jan 1 and going against our natural rhythms, why not pause, nurture, reflect, dream and then set intentions for the new year from a place of peace, presence and ease. 

What Winter Rest Really Looks Like

For me, it means sleeping a little later in the mornings; going to bed a little earlier; eating more nourishing foods to the season and not what social media says (did you eat your greens? Did you get enough protein? Add cottage cheese to it….). 

I’m not going to shy away from the few extra pounds I gained during the holiday season. I’m going to look back at a holiday season well spent and enjoy the memories made.

I’m also not going to aggressively go after my goals. My goals aren’t going anywhere, what’s the rush?

Being able to be in the present moment, rest and follow your natural rhythms, also means you need to be gentle with yourself. Give yourself a lot of grace. Speak kindly to yourself. And most important, give yourself the permission to rest. Not everything has to be a yes. Say no to social obligations that drain you and spend the time filling your bucket.

Gentle Steps Forward

I’m taking this winter season at a slower pace to plan out my year. I have big goals, but I’m going to take my time. Time is going to pass by anyway... Instead of jumping in head first, I’m going to rest when I need rest, eat what my body craves and connect with my inner guidance and intuition.

Here are some Winter Self-Care Tips that would help you align with your inner natural rhythms:

In the morning:

• Skip the 5am alarm and allow yourself the extra sleep.
• Eat a warm nourishing breakfast like oatmeal or a hot egg sandwich.
• Use your slow cooker more!

In the afternoon:

• Step outside for 10 mins a day and get some sunlight.
• Replace your workouts in the evening with something more gentle like yoga or walking.

In the evening:

• Start your bedtime routine when the sun goes down.
• Eat warm winter foods like soups, stews and roasted veggies.
• Drink lots of warm tea.
• Use warm, dim lighting in the evening.

At work:

• Set boundaries for after work emails.
• Schedule “deep” work during your natural high-energy times.
• Take a 2 min breathing break between meetings.

While you're embracing this winter season of rest and reflection, you might be wondering how to balance that with your daily responsibilities. My free 3-Day Time Management Reset Guide can help you create a gentle rhythm that honors both your need for winter rest and your goals. Download it from my home page to discover how to work with your natural energy, not against it.

With love,

Erin