Focusing on the simple pleasures of life, slowing down and relaxing builds well-being and resilience.  Incorporating the simple things that bring us joy, safety and make us feel all warm and cozy doesn’t happen for some people naturally.

They have pushed a few minutes by the fire, doing devotionals with God or a walk in the crisp winter air aside.  They feel it is a waste of time, but constantly have an underlying state of dissatisfaction and are not content.  Things like, enjoying a roaring fire or snuggling up with hot chocolate can make me feel cozy.  Activities like hiking in the snow or building a snowman on a beautiful winter day can make me feel cozy, especially when it’s followed with a hot cup of hot chocolate and some mini marshmallows!  Or perhaps yours is reading a book or journaling about God’s goodness and reviewing that journal when you are feeling low.  Ask yourself,

“What’s my ‘cozy’, what brings that feeling of relaxation, calm, and peace?”

I invite you to create your own list of “cozy” opportunities and accept the challenge to live one  each day!  Practicing something that brings you joy to refocus, refresh, and balance out adulting.  Be intentional about doing something each day until it becomes a habit.  You can create a safe place to land when life slaps you in the face.  Having an activity or thing that makes you feel cozy, can help restore balance to your day and build resilience.

A few things that make me feel cozy are: wearing fuzzy slippers, morning time with coffee by the fire and reminiscing about a vacation while looking at a few photos.  I hope these inspire your individual cozy and remind you of the simple things in life.  It is important to be mindful of the sights and sounds of winter that bring simplicity and joy into your days.   When we intentionally add things that make us feel cozy and celebrate life in the moment, we restore calm to chaos and create resilience for the unexpected.  There is beauty in a snowfall, a sharp wind urges us to cuddle up in a blanket, wear a chunky sweater or make some hot tea. 

I invite you to make your own “cozy” list.   Put on a chunky sweater, put on some fuzzy slippers or socks, and cuddle up in a nice blanket!  Watch it snow or gaze at the freshly fallen snow while you create your list!    

Then practice something from that list every day to Live Your Cozy!