7 Things I Learned This Winter // 2020

How is it already March?? Depending on when you’re reading this, today is my birthday, and I have no idea how I’m 34. Like I’m almost halfway to 40. FORTY. Not that I have a problem with numbers, it just doesn’t feel real. It doesn’t feel like I should be almost 40. In my head, I’m still barely 30.

But here we are! We are so close to spring, I can feel it. We spring forward this weekend, and the days are starting to do those temp swings. So I know it’s getting close! But reflecting back on this last winter, it was a whirlwind. Here is my usual list of the stuff I learned this season!

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1. Overbooking yourself on your days off isn’t life-giving.

Over the holiday season, I had something scheduled on my usual Fridays off (every other Friday) from about mid-November until mid-January. At the start of the new year, I was feeling so worn down and unmotivated and just exhausted (even though I was getting my normal amount of sleep), and I couldn’t figure out why. Then it hit me. I had planned or scheduled something every Friday off since before Thanksgiving! So I’ve learned when it’s my day off, I need to actually take the day. And make sure I plan my holiday season a little more strategically next year. (And start using a therapy light sooner. More on that below.)

2. I formed an LLC – all on my own!

I did it. It was scary. I still have no clue what I’m doing, but it’s there. It’s official official! Danielle Comer Creative LLC is registered with the State of Oregon. (Get a sneak peek at branding here! Website coming soon!)

3. SAD is real.

We even had a pretty mild winter this year, but for some reason, it was the perfect storm and SAD hit me hard this year. As mentioned above, not only was I overbooking myself, but the gloomy, cloudy days didn’t help. So I purchased a therapy light (a little late in the season, but) and even after only using it a week, I can tell a difference! It’s crazy what a little faux sunlight will do for a girl. (It looks like mine still might be on sale too!)

4. Auto high beams are the feature I never knew I needed in a new car.

It was time. At the very end of last year while my parents were visiting, I purchased a new car. The ol’ Jeep Grand was just not as reliable as she once was, so it was time to say goodbye. * cue the tears* We had a long, almost 15 year stretch – lots of miles, trips, bumps in the road. But I’m so happy with my new car, and never knew I needed auto high beams. They are glorious.

5. Scheduling is a necessity.

Scheduling girl dates that is. Just social time in general. But specifically girl dates. Including phone dates with long-distance friends. It’s been a friendship saver, and I totally recommend it if you’re feeling lonely or like months go by without chatting with your girls. Just schedule it – get it on the calendar. Your soul will thank you. And so will your friendships.

6. Poshmark is both magical and potentially dangerous (but mostly magical).

I made my first sale on Poshmark this season! I also purchased my first item – something I’ve been searching for for awhile. That’s what’s so great about Poshmark. You can find stuff that may be sold out on the company’s website, but then find someone trying to get rid of theirs on Poshmark! It’s a win-win for everyone. I plan on posting more in the coming weeks (when I have good sunlight to take good pics) so be sure to follow along if you’re a fellow Poshmark shopper/seller! Here’s my closet 🙂

7. Small steps are still steps.

Last month, I wrote a blog post (almost 1200 words..) about goal setting and how traditional goal setting may not be the right method for you. One of the main takeaways from that post is progress is progress no matter how big or fast. Creating the new habit and building the habit muscle are more important than achieving the end goal. Some small steps I’ve been taking and practicing are making it to the gym or hitting my movement goal 3-4x/week and winding down in the evenings and getting into bed before 10pm. I’m not perfect with these every day or week, but I’ve definitely seen a big improvement!

Well, that about rounds out the things I learned this winter season! Tell me what you learned this season!

Now off to the coast do birthday things…🎉