Today marks the “beginning of winter”, the “winter solstice”, the “first day of winter”, or whatever term you choose to assign to the day. I’ve been holding on to this image waiting for this new season so I could share it with you. (See, and you thought I didn’t think about you when you aren’t around. Wink. Wink.)

The Story

In September, I found this branch on the ground and took a photo because I thought it looked interesting. At first, it reminded me of the artwork of a college classmate. His “signature” was a print series of the fish skeletal structure. I know it sounds odd even as I typed it, but they really were beautiful. As I was doing all my post-processing magic to this photo, it gave me time to think - to see the subject. This little branch somehow started reminding me of the changing of seasons... a winter scene with snow and a tree holding on to a couple of leaves…

Which THEN reminded me that the leaves are symbolic of how we, as humans, hold on to hurtful words. We have a tendency to forget all the good, encouraging words. These uplifting words are important, but we tend to discount their importance by focusing on a few hurtful and discouraging words. Why is it that those discouraging words are easier to believe? So, this image has now become a visual reminder to me of how our words have a long-lasting impact.

HERE’S YOUR ASSIGNMENT SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT

As we begin this magical season, I challenge you to “warm” someone with your words. You never know what someone is going through. You never know how a simple kind word might impact someone. Maybe they will choose to hold on to the way you made them feel rather than the hurtful words someone else hurled their way. Maybe not. Either way, your words are important.

But, here is the deal. Bottom line. These words will costs you zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip, nil, nothing. That’s an investment you’d be foolish to pass up, right? So, spread the “warmth”. You got this!

Wishing you a happy, and “warm”, Winter!