Winter Solstice

And a post-holiday hello!

“Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” - Attributed to the Talmud

Hello! Happy Solstice/Yule/Christmas/Everything! Last weekend, around the Winter Solstice, I started writing this post—but only put in the above quote and the following images:

I started (occasionally) attending my local Unitarian Universality Congregation at the beginning of 2025. Every so often we’ll sing a hymn that sounds familiar—one that shares a tune or phrasing that I remember from the LDS hymns I was raised with. And sometimes I just really love the words of the UUC hymn.

Above are some photos I’ve snapped this year from the hymn book that feel particularly important to recall around now—midwinter and the beginning of a new year.

“Wake now my senses and hear the earth call;
Feel the deep power of being in all,
keep with the web of creation your vow,
giving, receiving, as love shows us how.”

I’m incredibly grateful to have work off between Christmas Eve and New Years Day. Obviously, part of that time off is booked with holiday to-do’s; another part is playing catch-up on some goals and important tasks; and I sure hope that by January 2nd, I feel much more recharged than I do right now.

Part of re-charging is remembering those words I’ve collected through the year—hymns, poems, songs, even letters from friends. Words that steady and uplift me. Words that I want to carry into the new year.

“It is impossible to be lonely
when you’re zesting an orange.
Scrape the soft rind once
and the whole room
fills with fruit.
Look around: You have
more than enough.
Always have.
You just didn’t notice
until now.”

-Amy Woschek Schmidt, ABUNDANCE: in memory of Mary Oliver

Lastly, a little shout out to my dear friend and penpal Aubrey, whose letters I treasure and always hold onto. This came in the mail from her this week:

She made that “Peace” ornament. I texted her this picture and told her that the ornament will stay with me through the year—it is not going into storage. I love it so much, and I treasure her words and friendship.

This post is a little bit everywhere, I know. I’ve been at my usual coffee shop for nearly 3 hours now, but the first 2 hours were spent studying for an upcoming professional exam. My head is a little tired, and my blood sugar is a little low. But I wanted to still say hello, and get this post out into the world.

I hope your holidays were peaceful, and I hope you take all the good words and kindest thoughts into the new year.

Warmly,
Allie