Beginning to Thaw

"The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within." — William C. Bryant

View from my window as I write this, 2.3.26

As I write this, I’m patiently awaiting the temperature outside to climb above zero so I can adventure out for my first outdoor run in what feels like eons. The last few weeks in New England have been bitterly cold. And the horror of observing ICE – a US government-sponsored group – terrorize and harm people within our borders has been equally chilling.

My drive and desire to write has been… frozen. The winter blues often hit me at this time of year, but there’s something about the heaviness and stuckness of this year that feels different. More loaded; more challenging. I’ve found myself desperately seeking a magical solution to heal our hearts and warm our souls, like the sunshine sparkling through the pine trees outside my window, working hard to raise the temperature to today’s forecasted “high” of 28.

I’ve had some bright spots among the low moments: a dynamo new client, SN, whose leadership, vision, and drive is a privilege to collaborate with; gratitude for small moments of joy (kitchen dances and giggles with my family; the glitter-like snow particles after the big storm; new recipe successes!); and an abundantly full client load just one year after starting my own company.

To help me get unstuck in the writing department, today’s post is a simple list of a few things that are warming me from within. And a reminder that while February often begins buried in snow and frigid temps, she ends with sunnier mornings and longer days, and the promise of spring on the horizon.

late February 2017, when the temps hit 70 degrees!

Do:

Call your reps. If there is one action that’s helped me feel a sense of agency and control amidst what’s been happening in the US, it’s calling my reps. Yes, despite living in a state like Vermont, where my representatives are already fighting for what I believe in, making these calls reminds me I have a voice, that it matters, and that my reps should keep fighting. 5calls.org is the easiest way to figure out who to call, what to say, and how to make yourself heard. And making the calls will take all of five minutes in your day.

Let go of what no longer serves: Do you have something that you’ve always loved, that all of a sudden no longer gives you the same sense of satisfaction? For me, this fall, it was running longer distances. I was burnt out and had zero motivation to do the thing that used to bring me joy. I gave myself permission to let go of long-running workouts and to shift my focus to lifting weights (using a terrific app, Ladder, as my coach), more biking, and some short, fast sprints instead of grind-y runs. The payoff is that I’m feeling stronger, renewed, and excited to run again… on my own terms. 2026 will be the year of short, fast, and efficient runs, and I’m excited for it.

Side note: If you’re intrigued by Chinese astrology, 2025 was the Year of the Snake, or the year to shed what no longer serves, and 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, “a dynamic mix of energy, ambition and transformation.” The new year begins on February 17.

Listen:

Apple Music Classical: My father loved classical music in every form. Drop-offs and pick-ups from dad almost always involved a well-cooled car with classical music blaring from the speakers, and my dad enticing me to join him for a chocolate cone at Carvel. As a result, like my dad, I am enamored with classical music, and play it when I need to soothe my nerves, focus on something important (like this post), or feel connected to his visionary spirit.

My brother introduced me to the Apple Classical app, which is a ride-along to Apple Music. If, like me, you are drawn to classical music, I highly recommend it! There are so many different composers, musicians, and playlists to explore. It’s wonderful. (I’m listening to the Classical Motivation playlist now, and it’s working!)

Dr. Becky Kennedy, parenting expert, on Lenny’s podcast: I can’t wait to listen to this on my run this morning. I’ve often said that my skills as a leader and manager multiplied as I’ve grown as a parent; there are so many parallels between good parenting and good leadership. I can’t wait to hear Becky’s take on how the same principles that develop resilient kids also work to develop resilient workplaces.

Read:

The Correspondent, Virginia Evans: This book was such a delight to read. I loved the quirky, independent main character, Sybil, and appreciated the clever way Evans told Sybil’s story through a series of letters to and from her over the years. It’s a perfect choice for a longer flight or a weekend pick-me-up.

HBR: For Your 360-Degree Feedback to Be Effective, You Need to Discuss It. I read this article this morning, and while it’s a bit off topic from things that bring me joy, it IS in my usual leadership lane and too good not to share. It’s performance management and review season, which often means it’s time for formal feedback. While the article focuses on 360s, I think the framework applies equally well to bringing curiosity and an open mindset to receiving feedback in your annual review.

Watch:

The Pitt, HBO: My sister-in-law, Megan, convinced me to watch The Pitt, which led me to stay up until 2 am 3 nights in a row to finish the first season. Yes, this show is that good. What’s most striking, beyond the delicious character development and the action-packed storytelling approach (each show is one hour of one day in an ER in Pittsburgh), is how the show artfully uses medical cases to surface the tensions we’re grappling with in today’s social and political climate. I’m looking forward to the rest of season 2, especially watching the team dynamics and leadership differences between Noah Wyle’s character and the new doctor filling in during his sabbatical.

Come See Me In the Good Light, Apple TV: I’ve had this documentary on my “to watch” list since I first heard about it on Glennon and Abby’s podcast earlier this year. It’s a beautiful story about poet laureate Andrea Gibson and their wife, Megan Falley. It’s about unbridled love, how the prospect of death shifts your perspective on life, and spoken word poetry that will take your breath away.

Please share anything you’re reading, watching, or listening to that’s inspiring you to embrace the February thaw that’s on its way. More to come soon, I can feel the thaw beginning.