Every year, as the days become shorter and the sunshine feels a little harder to find, I notice my energy dip. I feel sluggish, crave warmth and sunlight, and sometimes find myself simply wishing winter would hurry up and pass. If you've ever experienced the "winter blues", you'll know exactly what I mean. 

Recently, though, I came across something that completely shifted my perspective.

I was reading about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander seasonal knowledge, and was fascinated by the depth of understanding Australia's First Peoples have developed over more than 65,000 years. Rather than dividing the year into four fixed seasons, many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations recognise seasons by observing the natural world; changes in plants, animals, weather and the landscape around them. These observations have been passed down through generations through storytelling, ceremony and a connection to Country.

What struck me most wasn't simply the knowledge itself; it was the mindset.

Instead of resisting the season they're in, these cultural practices encourage living with it.

That really resonated with me.

Here in Tasmania, winter can feel long. The mornings are crisp, the evenings arrive early, and the temptation is often to count down the days until spring. But perhaps winter isn't asking us to rush through it.

Perhaps it's inviting us to slow down.

To rest a little more.

To spend longer around the table with good food and good company.

To get outside and discover all the magic around us and spark that new creativity.

To wrap ourselves in wool, light the fire, pour a glass of Tasmanian wine, or simply enjoy the stillness that only winter seems to bring.

Every season has a purpose. It's a reminder that nature doesn't bloom all year, and neither do we.

I don't think I'll ever love cold mornings, but I am learning to appreciate what winter offers instead of focusing on what it lacks.

So this year, rather than wishing the season away, I'm choosing to embrace it.

Maybe the winter blues become a little less blue when we stop fighting the season and start listening to what it has to teach us.

PS. One of my favourite products to help us recharge over winter is Pure Oils Tasmania. Watch our video here to find out more.  SHOP PURE OILS