I'm no longer afraid of winter
Today my husband asked me how we'll manage with the kids through the winter in the Czech Republic.
Last winter—and actually all the previous ones too—were quite challenging for me. Three small children, a stroller, snow, endless dressing and undressing, dirty combinations, and all that wrapping up.
I'm writing this article in the summer, when the kids run barefoot in the garden and life suddenly feels much simpler. So it's quite possible that in a few months I'll regret my current self-confidence. 😀 And then November will come again, darkness at four in the afternoon, and everything will start all over.
But this time, there's a shift.
I've realized that I actually enjoy dressing up.
And I don't mean following trends, expensive brands, or luxury items. Actually, I can't even precisely describe what attracts me to it. But I have a lot of quality materials. That feeling when I dress the boys in soft cotton. When I manage to find comfortable shoes. When we have practical clothes ready for going out—hats, scarves, rubber pants for rain, or warm layers for winter.
Of course, I start with myself, but for me, it's a bit different story. Maybe I'll write about that sometime.
Sometime during motherhood, I understood one thing. If I focus my attention on clothes—because it brings me joy and I enjoy choosing what to wear for myself and the boys—I don't have to worry so much about the weather, changes, or travel.
Maybe I won't get sick as often.
Because I know we have breathable, comfortable, and warm clothes. That we're prepared.
Yes, maybe there's a bit of a placebo effect in it. But so what. 😀
And why am I sharing this?
A few years ago, I wouldn't have allowed myself this interest. In my surroundings, there were people who either didn't care about clothes at all, or approached it purely functionally. And then there were people who cared about it in a way that was a bit foreign to me—too flashy, too snobby.
So it took me a while to admit to myself that I simply enjoy it.
That it's my thing.
And maybe everyone has such a small life hack.
Some find it in yoga.
"I'll make an honest effort and winter will be manageable."
"In the summer I'll take a box of vegetables, so we won't be hungry and we won't starve."
Some find it in organization, some in sports, some in travel planning.
Of course, in the end we have to solve everything. But some areas come more naturally to me than others. They bring me joy. They give me a sense of security and control in moments when there's chaos around me.
And so this year, I'm not afraid of winter.
In fact, I'm looking forward to it.
I'm looking forward to putting on my light feather coat, going ice skating, and preparing everything the boys will need for winter adventures outside.
Maybe it's not even about the winter.
Maybe it's about that feeling that I'm prepared for it this time.