The snow is mostly melted now. The look of the ground too has shifted to the colors of February. It’s the brownest month for color but still is enjoyable in its way. I’ve never felt more at home in a winter where there is no rush to forward the time. It’s exhausting to grow fresh greens all the time and even nature needs its rest. I do enjoy the lengthening days and how the sky is not dark anymore by 4:30.

I hardly even miss the sun. If I’m here when those days return then I’ll be out in it soon enough. I’ve not been on a decent walk since Thanksgiving and honestly don’t miss those either. I see the posts on social media about getting such and such amount of protein, balancing hormones, lifting weights. I gave years of my life to thinking on such things, to taking steps to fix or preserve my body.

I am free when my mind is at peace and I am beautiful when I believe that I am. Neither of those qualities require a regimented diet or plan. I enjoy the bananas and apples in my oatmeal. I notice the difference when I walk up the beach path and it dawned on me in January that there are other ways to grow strong.