WINTERING

“When everything is broken, everything is also up for grabs. That’s the gift of winter: it’s irresistible. Change will happen in its wake, whether we like it or not. We can come out of it wearing a different coat.”

I’ve been savoring this wonderful gem since it was gifted to me months ago by a dear friend who didn’t even know how well timed her thoughtful gesture was. My family and I had just tested positive for Covid, and although we were fortunate not to have become dangerously ill from the virus, it was not an easy few weeks. It’s a bit astounding actually that May’s book was released during a universally difficult time for, well, the entire WORLD. But that’s the kismet of certain books isn’t it?

Wintering reflects on the author’s deep dive into the process of stepping back - from our every day lives, from ourselves - during challenging times. In May’s case, two health crises in her family led her to explore the ways a respite from the stressors of life can alter one’s soul, provide a unique perspective and offer newfound fortitude. Wintering is not a self-help book, nor a memoir. It’s a journey through Finnish saunas, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and Norwegian night skies. It is conversations with well-wintered souls, and visits to labyrinthian beehives. Wintering is also a sort of literary hygge, like wearing a chunky woolen blanket in front of a warm fire with a mug of tea in hand. Although it may seem incongruous to complete a book called “Wintering” during spring, it seemed fitting to emerge from it as the world begins to open up, trees are in bloom and everything feels full of hope. I highly recommend this beautifully written (and aesthetically beautiful) book!
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I paired Wintering with my ultimate soul-warming, easy to make, cold weather comfort food: homemade coconut sweet potato lentil soup. Visit @halfbakedharvest for this delicious recipe, my go to dinner when I am wintering - or honestly any time at all.