light in the december darkness.

12/21/2015
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December 21. Winter solstice. The shortest and darkest day of the year.

The time of year when we load up on vitamin D supplements to counteract the lack of sunshine and when we’d rather throw on sweats after work than head out for a run by headlamp. The struggle is real, right?! 

I typically wish these dark days away, longing for the dog days of summer when I can wear speed shorts + a shorts bra for a run rather than brushed tights and a down jacket. But, my perspective shifted a bit after last week’s lululemon candlelight + cocoa vinyasa yoga at the James J. Hill house. 

What if we look at these dark days a bit differently – as the days where the magic happens? What if we embrace the darkness – and, use it to our advantage to give us strength? As Brené Brown says: Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light. 

I challenge you to think of these darks days as where we plant and nurture the seeds that will grow strongly into beautiful brilliance come sunshiny spring and summer days. 

Upward!

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10 Comments

  • Reply Kecia 12/22/2015 at 8:30 am

    I needed this reminder! I have been very stressed lately. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

    • Reply erin 12/23/2015 at 10:19 am

      Hope you’re able to find some time to unwind and decompress! Happiest holidays to you and Tim!

  • Reply Danielle @ Eat Primal, Run Hard 01/03/2016 at 4:33 am

    My running club takes advantage of the dark days: they hold moonlight runs on full moons. We meet at a set location in the countryside or woods, all wearing some kind of headlamp, and we use with that and the moonlight to light the way. It’s truly magical and such a special moment. Last moonlight run was so bright, I turned off my flashlight and ran in the darkness!

    Although some people, like Pat, struggle with the low light levels, I like it in some ways: it helps so much with sleeping and contributes to the cozy feeling when our wood-burning stove is going.

    • Reply erin 03/07/2016 at 12:18 pm

      How neat are those moonlight runs?! Sounds magical indeed!
      Like you, I’m usually ok with the darkness… until March 🙂 Love and embrace the hygge!

  • Reply Leslie @ TriathleteTreats 01/10/2016 at 6:12 pm

    This is a great post!! I love to run in the dark. It is my favorite!!!

    • Reply erin 03/07/2016 at 12:18 pm

      Thanks, Leslie! I love them, too… but, am so ready for sunshine! 😉 Hope training is going well!

  • Reply Danielle @ Eat Primal, Run Hard 03/07/2016 at 12:23 pm

    You know about hygge???!!! Awesome! Yes, our house is full of hygge. We just need a pet now 🙂

    • Reply erin 03/07/2016 at 12:41 pm

      Yes! Trying to fill our place with it, too… we used our real fireplace a lot this winter. YES to a pet! I want a dog SO bad 🙂

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