Sometimes the coldest months can offer us the most warmth. At times, we might shiver on the outside, but that helps us to recognize where true warmth comes from. We learn that the cold is temporary, that the warmth inside can carry us through. I like this quote by Yoko Ono:

“Spring passes and one remembers one’s innocence.
Summer passes and one remembers one’s exuberance.
Autumn passes and one remembers one’s reverence.
Winter passes and one remembers one’s perseverance.”

I like the word “perseverance.” I actually chose it as my word for 2017 because I want to persevere toward the long-term goals that are important to me. For the last several years, I’ve chosen a word as my theme for the year. In 2015, I blogged about choosing the word “fruitful,” and 2015 turned out to be an incredibly fruitful year. In 2016, I blogged about choosing the word “nurture” because I wanted to nurture and appreciate what I had.

Here are some more quotes to add sunshine to your winter.

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”
― Edith Sitwell

“But now she loved winter. . . . Nights with their fire of stars. Cold, exquisite winter sunrises. Lovely ferns of ice all over the windows of the Blue Castle.”
― L.M. Montgomery, The Blue Castle

“I love the arrival of a new season — each one bringing with it its own emotion: spring is full of hope; summer is freedom; autumn is a colourful release, and winter brings an enchanting peace.”
― Giovanna Fletcher, Christmas With Billy and Me