How to Navigate the Winters of Our Lives

It’s been over a year since I last connected with you through writing. You might wonder why. My answer is simple: life happens.

From September last year until June this year, my family and I faced a deeply unsettling time. My husband became seriously ill without warning, following what was supposed to be a routine medical procedure. This led to an unexpected and major surgery, with two lengthy hospital stays. Our world was shaken, filled with moments of fear and helplessness as we faced the very real possibility that this could be fatal. It was a season of intense anxiety and uncertainty, one that tested my resilience and faith in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

This winter of our lives lasted a full ten months before we began to see the first signs of spring—those small glimmers of hope that slowly bring life and warmth back into our world. Through the support of friends, family, and many heartfelt prayers, my husband regained his strength. In looking back, I realize that this experience taught me a powerful lesson about life’s inevitable cycles.

When life is going well, it’s easy to assume that things will always be smooth. Yet, just as the seasons naturally follow one another, so do the seasons of our lives. We all experience cycles—times of growth, times of harvest, and, of course, times of winter. Unlike the predictable changes on the calendar, we cannot foresee when or how long these personal winters will last, nor can we gauge their intensity. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reads, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”

What we can do, however, is prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally for life’s inevitable ups and downs. When we acknowledge that hardships are part of life’s natural rhythm, we begin to strengthen our resilience—a kind of inner shelter that helps us endure the cold and keep hope alive, guiding us through to brighter days ahead.

The presence of hardship doesn’t mean it will last forever; like a dark night that inevitably gives way to dawn, our winter seasons make way for new beginnings. As Jim Rohn eloquently puts it, “You cannot change the seasons, but you can change yourself.” You can change the way you respond.

Here are a few ways to develop that inner resilience so you can weather any season with grace and strength:

1. Embrace Your Emotions
   Resilience doesn’t mean ignoring how we feel—it’s about acknowledging our emotions without letting them overwhelm us. Give yourself permission to feel, then gently encourage yourself to take small steps forward, knowing that each step builds strength over time.
2. Focus on What You Can Control
   During challenging times, shift your focus to areas where you can make a difference. This might mean setting small goals for yourself, cultivating healthy habits, or reaching out for support. When we concentrate on what’s within our control, we reclaim a sense of empowerment. In my case, prayers helped a lot.
3. Practice Self-Compassion
   Be as kind to yourself as you would to a friend facing similar struggles. Self-compassion is a powerful resilience tool that helps you bounce back faster from setbacks and grow stronger through the experience. Remind yourself that it’s okay not to have everything figured out.
4. Seek Growth in Adversity
   While hardship isn’t easy, it often reveals hidden strengths or new perspectives. Try journaling to reflect on what you’re learning or how you’re growing. You may find that challenges bring unexpected insights, helping you discover resilience you didn’t know you had.
5. Build a Support Network
   Surrounding yourself with a community of supportive friends, mentors, or family can be one of the most powerful ways to navigate tough times. When we share our burdens, we not only ease our own load but also remind ourselves we’re not alone.

These practices form the foundation of resilience, helping us cultivate inner strength and fortitude even in life’s most challenging moments. Hardship, like any season, will pass—but the resilience we build can stay with us, ready to support us through every season to come.

Are you experiencing hardship in your life right now? That is your winter season. At BEST Life Coaching, we’re here to help you build resilience and navigate this winter with grace, transitioning smoothly toward your spring. Contact us today for a complimentary session and begin your journey toward brighter days.