Inspiration, Life Lessons

Get the Funk Out of February

Snow blankets the winter landscape. Crows perch on peaked rooftops and naked tree branches, cawing at one another across the otherwise silent, white world. 

I’ve taken a couple of days’ retreat up north at our summer getaway. During warm months, this lake area bustles with activity. Tourists pour into resorts and rentals. Wave runners whine, boat engines rumble and kids squeal while racing in and out of the lake. 

But today, all is still. The crows and I seem to be the only ones watching the silent, frozen lake. It’s February, and my mood matches the desolate surroundings.

Bleh.

Despite its short length, February is my least favorite month. It gets me broody, moody and full of ennui. This seems to happen every year. I’ve written before about the February Funk. Even with its emphasis on hearts and love, this month remains short on daylight and long on coldness.

I crave color and movement and energy. 

If I’m being honest, blaming the month isn’t fair. It’s my reaction to it. The cold keeps me inside, and the quiet and darkness leaves me all up in my head. Contemplation is necessary, yes, but too much time digging into shadowy corners makes me itchy for the new life Spring brings. 

The crows’ insistent chatter brings my attention back to the lake. In the distance, two hearty souls walk onto the frozen surface. They pull a bright blue sled filled with ice fishing gear. I watch as they set up their encampment, then seat themselves on overturned buckets to wait for a hit on their line. Their muffled conversation and occasional laughter echo across the ice.

Watching them reminds me that beneath the frozen surface, the lake is alive with activity. Fish swim. Plants grow. Critters skitter about. I may think everything has stopped for the season, but beneath the ice, not much has changed.

This little realization gives me a lift. Everything is still there. Still moving. It’s just slower, quieter, less visible. 

Trees may look lifeless in winter, but their new leaves already wait in tightly bound buds for the sun to warm the soil. All living things rest in preparation.

You are not too old and it is not too late to dive into your increasing depths where life calmly gives out its own secret

Rilke

A friend recently reminded me that a plant’s initial work occurs in the darkness. Tiny tendrils reach and root, grow and expand under the soil’s surface, away from watchful eyes. Only then…when the seedling is anchored…do stems reach toward the surface and push through the darkness into the light. 

Growth, after all, doesn’t begin on the surface. It starts in the darkness and grows from the depths outward. Plants and humans alike.

Perhaps you struggle with this time of year, too. Perhaps you feel itchy and frozen and irritable with it all. Maybe, like me, you desire the winds of change to blow something fresh and new into your life.

If so, keep the faith.

Things are moving. They’re right below the surface: preparing, anchoring, and laying the groundwork for what’s to come. Our only job is to keep our hearts open and quietly trust things are already on their way.

8 thoughts on “Get the Funk Out of February”

  1. Nancy Simpson says:

    Thanks for the reminder that growth can come later. Be patient.

    1. Katie O'Connell says:

      You’re welcome, Nancy!

  2. Nancy gelband says:

    Beautiful everything! Your perspectives went deep and so did the idea of your frozen lake and all that it makes possible.and becomes evidence for… see? You got me on this track and i love it… thank you!!

    1. Katie O'Connell says:

      Thank YOU! You often remind me to see what already exsists even when there is no outward evidence. Love how we can inspire each other xo

  3. Thomas Palmersheim says:

    This is another great little masterpiece Katie. Your writings delve deep within everyone’s soul.

    1. Katie O'Connell says:

      Aww, thanks Dad 🙂 You’re a good cheerleader!

  4. Pamela Kay Palmersheim says:

    This came at a perfect time. The Blahs I’ve been feeling. I just love how I feel alive in your stories. xoxo

    1. Katie O'Connell says:

      Glad it arrived when you needed it, Pam!

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