If I’m honest, the idea of being a social butterfly right now feels laughable. Between the cold, dark days of winter, the weight of grief, and just getting through the holidays, cocooning at home has been my go-to. Add in the fact that I’m naturally more of an introvert, and, well… let’s just say the sofa and I are getting along quite nicely.
And you know what? I’ve decided to stop fighting it.
When you lose someone close, the world doesn’t just feel quieter—it is quieter. The absence is loud in its own way, and it’s natural to retreat a little, to feel more at ease in the sanctuary of your home than out in the hustle and bustle of life. Add winter’s shorter days and colder nights to the mix, and it’s no wonder the sofa, a cozy blanket, and a good book feel like the best company.
If you’re feeling this way too, just know you’re not alone.
Winter Just Feels Heavier Sometimes
Winter has this way of wrapping everything in quiet, doesn’t it? The shorter days and long nights seem to echo what I’m feeling inside—like life’s pressing pause, whether I want it to or not. For those of us navigating grief, this season can feel especially heavy.
And then there are the holidays. Don’t get me wrong, I love the magic of the season and will always celebrate the birth of my Savior, but when you’re grieving, all that cheer can feel like a spotlight on what’s missing. It's like trying to put on your favorite party dress and it just doesn’t feel right anymore. For me, this holiday season was about surviving—not thriving.
And that’s okay.
Introverts Unite... at Home
Let’s be real: I was never the life of the party before (that was always Eric's forte), so why start now? Cocooning feels like a natural response. It’s not about avoiding people; it’s about recharging in a space that feels safe and comforting.
I’ve always needed more time to recharge, even in the best of circumstances. But now? That need feels heightened. I’m giving myself permission to embrace it instead of forcing myself into activities that feel overwhelming.
For me, that might look like turning on some fairy lights, diffusing some calming oils (hello, Lavender, Peace & Calming, and Northern Lights Black Spruce), turning on a YouTube fireplace video with quiet music, or curling up with a book I’ve been meaning to finish. These small, cozy rituals remind me that it’s okay to take care of myself in simple, nurturing ways.
Cocooning as a Form of Healing
I’ve started to call this time at home a kind of cocooning—a necessary step in transformation. Butterflies don’t emerge from their cocoons until they’re ready, and neither do we. There’s something restorative about leaning into the quiet, the warmth, and even the solitude.
But cocooning doesn’t mean isolating completely. It’s not about shutting the world out forever—it’s about giving myself space to breathe, feel, and process. That might mean saying no to a dinner party but saying yes to lunch with a close friend. It’s about balance, and what that looks like will change from day to day.
Permission to Stay Home
If you’ve felt the same pull to stay home, let me just say: it’s okay. It’s okay to decline an invitation. It’s okay to choose quiet moments over bustling gatherings. And it’s definitely okay to lean into what feels right for you.
Gentle Ways to Navigate This Season
If you’re feeling the pull to stay home and hibernate, here are a few things I’ve found helpful:
• Creating a Cozy Routine: Turn on your diffuser, brew some tea, and settle in with a comforting book or TV show. Let your evenings feel like a warm hug.
• Staying Connected in Small Ways: Send a text to a friend or reply to that email you’ve been meaning to. Connection doesn’t have to mean constant socializing.
• Letting Nature In: Open the blinds during the day to let in natural light, even if it’s cloudy. It’s a small thing, but it helps brighten the mood.
• Taking It One Step at a Time: If leaving the house feels like too much, start small—maybe take a walk around the back yard or run a quick errand.
• Saying no without guilt: I’ve started thinking of “no” as an act of self-care... and a complete sentence.
• Making my space cozy: Whether it’s soft blankets, warm tea, or twinkly lights, my home is my haven.
• Finding light when I can: A sunny walk, a funny movie, or even just standing by a window and watching the birds.
• Letting feelings come and go: Grief doesn’t follow a schedule, so I’m trying not to fight it.
• Being Kind to Yourself: Remember, this isn’t forever. This is a season—of winter, of grief, of introversion—and like all seasons, it will change.
Moving Toward Spring
Eventually, the days will grow longer, and we’ll feel ready to stretch our wings again. But there’s no rush. Whether you’re cocooning at home this winter because of grief, introversion, or simply the season itself, know that it’s okay to honor where you are right now.
If you’re navigating a season like this, I’d love to hear how you’re finding comfort in the quiet. Let’s share our tips and stories in the comments—it might just be the reminder someone else needs that it’s okay to take a step back before moving forward again.
Winter Wellness
I would be dropping the ball if I didn't mention here the importance of supporting your winter wellness with things like extra Vitamin D and my favorite antioxidant drink, NingXia Red. I'm also a fan of keeping Thieves essential oil blend and Inner Defense capsules on hand. These things are all integral parts of my natural wellness routine that I'm certain you'll also appreciate. Click on the highlighted words to learn more about each of them.
These are two of my previously published blogs I think you'll find helpful:
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