After a very busy Fall and Holiday season, I was in desperate need of a rest. Author Bryant McGill reminds us that, “In rest and reflection, a new inspiration can be found.” Winter time is often a time of rest and pulling back from the rest of the world. It invokes images of curling up under a cozy blanket with a cup a tea and the time to read, journal, reflect, and recharge.

In the garden, a period of rest is required for spring blooming bulbs. Crocuses need a period of 6-8 weeks of dormancy in the cold ground as part of their growing cycle. Growing is hard work whether you are plant or a person. Rest and reflection are key parts of a healthy and productive life cycle. It was during these winter months that I took stock of how my first full year as a business owner went. I asked myself a lot of questions. What did I learn from the experience? What changes would I like to make? What opportunities do I have to grow? Where will I invest my energy? Here too, living things hate to waste energy. The key lesson here is how to protect and invest your energy wisely as it is a precious resource. That’s why rest is necessary you need it in order to replenish expended energy reserves.

I certainly was not idle during this period of rest. I took time to play. I challenged myself to try out new techniques, materials, ideas, to free myself from the need to make products, and to overcome my perfectionism that can lead to anxiety and creative blockages. It’s hard to be creative all of the time. We are not machines. Ideas need time to form. Those ideas need to be tested and refined. When I gave myself the permission to play I was pleasantly surprised by the results I achieved. And yes, I do have some lovely new products ready to hit the market.

With the approach of the vernal equinox, it is a natural time of transition and transformation, and with it I feel the sense, no the urge, for the next round of growth. I’ve been out in the yard cleaning up the mess that winter storms brought, and inside a good spring cleaning is taking place. No more procrastinating! Time to finally tackle those pesky chores that I’ve tended to put off. The dark corners of cabinets and closets are getting a deep clean, and the excess is being decluttered. Most importantly, I decided that my studio workspace needed an overhaul. My husband helped me shift some furniture, and next thing I knew I felt recharged and excited to tackle all of those ideas that I generated during my quiet time.

I am grateful for the quiet time I took this winter. Living is creative work, you are the artist of your life so make sure to give yourself the rest you need to continue to find inspiration on your life’s journey. Quiet time needs to be a daily practice even if it is 15-20 minutes or so to allow yourself to catch your breath. Don’t let yourself fall into the mindset that you can’t find a space in your day to rest and recharge. It makes a difference, and you are worthy of having this precious time.