Still Cold. Still Here. Still Doing the Work.

Listen… it’s still cold.We’ve talked about the weather before, I know. But when it’s February and your car seat feels like a block of ice and the sun sets before your motivation kicks in, it matters. The cold has a way of slowing everything down—our bodies, our routines, our moods. And if we’re being honest, it can make even the smallest tasks feel heavier.

So instead of pretending we’re all energized and thriving, let’s talk about something that actually fits this season:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

ACT isn’t about forcing yourself to feel positive.It isn’t about “fixing” every uncomfortable emotion.It’s about learning how to live a meaningful life while discomfort exists—which, frankly, is a very winter-appropriate skill.

Acceptance: Making Space for What’s Already Here

When it’s cold, you don’t argue with the temperature. You put on a coat.ACT works the same way with emotions.

Acceptance doesn’t mean liking anxiety, sadness, grief, or stress. It means noticing what’s showing up internally without immediately trying to fight, avoid, or outrun it. The more we battle our feelings, the more stuck we tend to feel. When we make a little room for them instead, we free up energy to focus on what actually matters.

You can acknowledge:“I feel low.”“I feel unmotivated.”“I feel tired of winter.” …and still move through your day with intention.

Commitment: Moving Toward What Matters

Here’s the other half of ACT. Once we stop using all our energy resisting what we feel, we can ask a better question:What kind of person do I want to be right now—even in this season?

Maybe it’s someone who:

• Shows up for therapy or support even when it’s easier to stay home

• Reaches out to a friend

• Keeps a small routine going

• Moves their body

• Practices kindness toward themselves

Commitment isn’t about giant, dramatic change. It’s about small, values-based actions taken consistently—even when motivation is low and the weather is still…well, cold.

Winter as Practice

This time of year can feel like limbo. We’re not quite in the fresh energy of spring, but we’re also not in the cozy novelty of early winter. It’s just…long. Gray. Cold.

And that makes it the perfect time to practice ACT skills:

• Notice what you’re feeling without judging it.

• Make room for discomfort instead of trying to eliminate it.

• Take one small step toward something meaningful anyway.

You don’t have to wait until you feel better to live better.You don’t have to wait until spring to start showing up for your life.

But also… we will not complain if spring gets here soon.