Winter is coming

Oh, these glorious late fall days!

Some would argue that we’re in early - not late - autumn. In most parts of the country, that’s true. Just down the mountain in Boulder, the days are still summery, and the evening chill doesn’t have a serious bite yet.

But up here at 8500 feet, there’s been a noticeable shift. The aspens are a glorious golden yellow, and some have already lost their leaves. Some mornings have seen frost on the ground as the temperature dips below 40 degrees.

For the next ten days, the weather forecast looks pretty spectacular. And yet, this streak of sunny days and pleasantly crisp nights carries a quiet but incessant message: winter is coming.

I’m the kind of person who feels the pang of loss in the midst of all that’s flourishing…it’s my nature. My therapist calls it ‘anticipatory grief.’ It’s not so much that I’m grieving the end of summer and fall. Colorado winters rock…cross country skiing is one of our favorite activities, and we relish being out in almost any kind of weather. But this will also be our first winter living up in the mountains…not just recreating here. And we are seriously thinking about winter survival. We’ve ordered our snow tires, researched snow blowers and plan to remediate our dirt driveway that has eroded in places. We have a good forced air system in the house, but also have cord wood ready for the wood stove. Our new neighbors, who have lived here for 25 years, have regaled us with tales of past harsh winters, icy roads, and snow drifts that blocked the doors to the house. We are resolute. We are ready. But in full transparency, we’re also a little nervous.

Winter is coming.

It’s a kind of metaphor for whatever comes next…for the thing we can’t predict. We can plan and prepare. We can have a good attitude. But to feel some trepidation is human.

I’m reminding myself to enjoy the glorious late fall days up here. We throw on sweaters in the late afternoon and sit on the deck to relish the setting sun. We bask in the glow of the aspens.

And we’ll greet what’s next when it comes.

What’s next for you? Let’s talk! Click the link below to set up a free connection call with me. And as always, may your week be filled with self-love and rich insights. With love, Amy ♡♡♡