This is my ode to winter and this week’s Winter Solstice — one of my favorite days of the year.

This is me finding peace in the cold, dark days.

Today may I honor the darkness that haunts my soul now and then as well as the lightness that floats to the top most hours of the day.

Today may I honor the shadows that appear on certain days and the rays of sunshine that sparkle in the skies.

Today may I surrender to the peace that flutters inside my heart as well as the eclipse of my emotions that takes over at times.

Today may I gently hold my scared, nervous hands. And, at the same time, caress them for they are bold and fearless and reach for the goodness this world has to offer.

Today may I lift my gaze to the sky, breathing in its shimmery wonder. And I bow my head in awe of the rich, frozen earth below me.

Today may I weep for the many sadness’s that I have witnessed.

And may I laugh at the joy of what surrounds me every day and for all that is yet to come.

Today may I close my eyes to the silent, black sky and go inward, to a place of meaning and sacredness.

Today may I open my soul to the amazing brightness that holds me in safety and in love. And lie down at the thought of my fears and worries and anxieties that keep me up at night.

Today may I want for nothing for nothing more than what already is — and the only good that can come out of the shortest, coldest day.

Peace.

And yet may I also allow for so much more, like all the sure things in life like silly giggles, glowing candles, bare branches, twinkling red and green lights, magical, unexpected snow flakes, glowing embers in the fire, soft, fuzzy blankets, steaming hot cocoa with fluffy marshmallows and chocolate chips melting, cookies freshly baked from the oven, holding hands with the ones I love, warm hugs, sloppy kisses, believing in hope, visions of peace, honoring myself, gifts to give, and all the gratitude that can fill my heart.

This is my ode to winter, but also to 2012 and to this time in my life. This is how I want to remember this year, a year of  adventure, love, growth, strength, gifts of love and kindness of unsizable proportions.

And remembering that it is perfectly fine to let go, to let go of unhealthy situations that make you feel awful, to let go of perfection, to let go of some of the dreams you had … and just remember the stuff that brought smiles and joy to your heart.

{The year of ____} For me, 2012 was The Year of Authenticity. I finally remembered who I was, what I am about and all the good that I have inside of me. What year was 2012 for you?

This post was edited from an old post from a year ago this week.