Healing What Broke

My Winter List

December hits like that. Suddenly. The balmy fall in eastern central Canada crumbles overnight under a sugar coating of frost, followed by the inevitable dump of snow, covering the whole world and everything we thought our lives were under a blanket of cold indifference.

For one, I find myself grumbling about getting up in the morning, preferring to stay wrapped in flannelette sheets under my winter duvet. When I do rise, minimal chores complete, I like to amble off to a nearby coffee shop with my book for a hot cup of café mocha and perhaps a warmed slice of iced gingerbread.

It’s that month. The darkest one of the year. Deep December.

Undoubtedly, we Canadians are accustomed to it, even when it takes us by surprise. Christmas lights come out and shops fill with tasty new treats and delights for the eyes, somehow saving the season. Making it magical. And survivable.

Those first few falls of snow with their fat feather-floating frosted crystal patterns remind us of the soft beauty in nature. And when the velvet night comes mid-afternoon, a golden moon or a star-studded sky can nudge us into believing there is hope somewhere beyond.

This year has been like that for me. This December marks the end of one of my toughest years: a choking cough that lasted months, nearly cutting off my thumb and then enduring an excruciating staphylococcal infection, a physiotherapy session that left me in agonizing pain for seven weeks, a nerve-wracking court case (I can’t believe I just summarized that nightmare in four words!), the death of several of my appliances and being diagnosed with severe arthritis in my hands.

Every time I thought it couldn’t get worse, it did.

And then, as if breaking my arm (see above image) was 2025’s last laugh, things started to turn around. After winning my court case, the defendants appealed, leaving me lost in litigation and deeply depressed. A last-minute call to the Pro Bono Legal Hotline looking for advice miraculously landed me a legal team willing to take my case and handle the appeal hook line and sinker, for free!

A couple of courses of antibiotics healed my thumb. The pain brought on by my physio treatment subsided. Some of my appliances were repaired either under warranty or by a kind contractor who felt like volunteering his time that day.

My arm is still sore, after a month in a cast and another month in a very restrictive brace. But the trauma is fading, my elbow has stabilized and is healing quickly. I’m optimistic that a few more physio sessions and disciplined exercising will bring it back to fully functional before the winter is out.

WINTER POEM

morning sun smothered in the bleakness of winter

behold the coldness of December folk

wake them and share of your warmth

for they are blinded by winter’s whiteness

*

settling frost on dying lawns

melt away the cares of unhappy people

show them the crystal world of winter

for their hearts and minds are frozen

*

falling snow from colourless sky

feel the darkness of lost souls

touch gently on their shoulders

for they have not yet felt the kiss of Christmas

*

bared branches of blackened trees

teach the wintry wanderers that pass

the harmony of the seasons

for they have forgotten the wheel of fortune

somewhere in the Canadian Rockies

This winter will be a time of healing for me. That means:

1. Hibernation. When my body wants to sleep, it’s going to sleep.

2. Fresh air. Going outside every day, even if it’s for only 10 or 15 minutes.

3. Bright Environment. Lighting all the dark corners with warm glows.

4. Movement. Exercising the parts of my body that need oiling.

5. Comfort. Making large pots of vegetable soups and wrapping up in blankets.

6. Connection. Meeting my favourite people for long coffee chats on the regular.

7. Breath. Intentional calming breath work and meditation.

8. Books. Reading, reading, reading.

9. Creativity. Writing, of course.

10. Sound. Listening to music that soothes the soul.

On that note, a couple of musicians that are helping me with my healing: Didacte, Holloway & Vianney Lopez. Like these tracks:

And, of course, Lord of the Rings for Sleep:

Do you have a Winter List? Could you come up with 10 sustainable habits to get you through the dark season? I’d love to hear them. I can always use some inspiration from fellow Substackers!