Lychee on a Winter’s Day

Photo by Isaac N.C. on Unsplash; great photo Isaac!

Hey everyone.,

I am typing this post from a cold cafe in cold Vienna... the holidays have passed and we all settle into a new routine in a new year. Traditionally, I have seen Jan-April as the "slog" part of the year... (we want to say it's Jan-Mar, but we know April is often the "cruelest month", as TS Elliot pointed out.) Though, I want to make all the days count, to squeeze something good from each and every winter mix... too much cold does seem to bring me down. 

In years past, I remember approaching the "slog" with some trepidation, a bit of disappointment. But alas, upon entering a Viennese grocery store in Januay, I realized but ah-ha, it is lychee season.  Now for me, the lychee (fruit) is as close as nature gets to making candy so it is a real treat; ie, healthy, eat-as-much-as-you-want candy. And for those of us in Europe, lychees arrive in our coldest months. They usually come from South Africa, where it is not cold, cold, cold right now; a place where the sun is shining. And in the form of this little gem, they export some of their summer to us.

The lychee gives me that feeling of sunshine on a cold winter day.  Or the sense that yes, spring will come; or that no season lasts forever, or that joy is hidden in the smallest places; or that even the darkest winter has a little salvation. Does anything do that for you? And if so, what?

If so, consider sharing it with a buddy; ie, grab your buddy and go!  The Day Gratitude Buddies Mini-Journey is now in full swing, with about 50 participants. I would love for each and every one of you to try it and share it. If you want to read some thoughts from someone whose already finished have a look below.  

Because we all need a little sunshine in winter. 

With love, 
Abbie

Ps, Sign up entirely free until Jan 20 - materials available until Jan 25