In many cultures, past and present, February 1st is a promise of release from the dreary darkness and bitter cold of winter. Beneath the frozen earth, life stirs. This midwinter celebration, halfway between the first day of winter and the first day of spring, gives us hope.
Like watching your children grow, you look up one morning and say, “When did you get so tall?” Those extra minutes of sunlight each day since the Winter Solstice have accumulated. Lift your eyes, look around, become aware of the light. The lengthening of days is a slow process—but the change is now noticeable.
The pressure to set goals, reflect on last year, or make resolutions to better ourselves is associated with the calendar New Year.
The first day of February offers a fresh start. It is about new beginnings. It brings knowledge that the seeds we planted are deep within—there is life underneath the frost and snow. These plants will soon break through the soil, reaching and growing.
Trust that there is life in the darkness and there you will find hope.
My random thoughts in 200 words or less.
Health & happiness to you, my friends. ❤
Lemon Shark 
I enjoyed your random thoughts, Sarah. I didn’t know that 1 February had any particular meaning. It isn’t the change of seasons or anything like that.
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Yes, It’s been celebrated for many years in numerous cultures. Usually associated with the goddess Brigid then, later, Saint Brigid. Not a change of season, really, but used to mark midwinter and, for some, the beginning of spring. Thanks, Robbie! ❤
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I love your random thoughts, especially that ‘there is life in the darkness and there you will find hope’. Thank you for spreading hope today. ❤
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Ah, hello my friend. ❤ It's lovely to see you here. I'm happy to spread hope when I can. I'm taking a deep breath today and focusing on the light. Sometimes, that is all we can do. Sometimes, that is enough. Thanks, Norah. Hope you are well.
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Sometimes, it is enough. Always you are enough. Remember that my friend. You are enough. Hugs. xx
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Ugh. The “not enough” trap. Easy to fall into, tough to climb out. Thank you, my friend. ❤
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This is perfectly cool. It rings true. I have always liked February. The birds are chirpier too. And we could get a shit ton of snow. All good.
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Love the shit ton of snow we could get in an otherwise snow-free winter. (As long as I don’t have to go anywhere and can sit by the fireplace and drink tea.) Yes! The birds are definitely chirpier. I’ve noticed that. Aw, sweet chickadees. ❤
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A beautiful post full of hope. we awoke to a white covering of snow 💜 and your words resonated with truth 💜
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Lovely! Enjoy that dusting of snow. ❤ Thank you, Willow.
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💜💜
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Wishing you health and happiness, too. Happy February.
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Thank you. ❤
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So grateful for the lengthening days and the southern exposure of my picture windows (stretches like a cat and rolls into the warmth).
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Those picture windows sounds delightful. 🐱 ❤ (Dare I say it? Purrfect… Sorry.)
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Meow… 😉
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This is lovely, Sarah. I love that first morning when I get up and it’s actually light! Or the first evening when my hubs gets home and we can go for a walk. The returning light is what gets me through winter. Hope you’re doing well, my friend. ❤
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Hello, my friend! ❤ Good to see you. Things are a bit challenging at the moment and I've not been online much at all. Miss my blogging buddies. Hope you're doing well.
Yes, I love that the evening sunlight is stretching a bit later for those (cold) walks. Nature and walking are wonderfully restorative. I love them. (I wouldn't know about getting up that early… 😉 Wishing you many relaxed, sunny mornings.)
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Thank you – this makes me feel better. Such a cold week – the weather can really affect you. Now that the groundhog predicts an early spring, maybe we can see it coming.
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Ha! That’s right. Good ol’ Phil. Early spring. We are definitely affected by the seasons weather we’re aware of it or not. (I’m so sorry–I could *not* help that one. Too easy.) 😉 Hope you’re doing well. Good to see you, Barbara. ❤
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February can be a little challenging for me due to how winter affects my mood. Thank you for your gentle reminder that spring is coming.
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I hear you. Glad this gave a little reminder. Light is hanging around a bit longer every day–spring is on its way. ❤
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Joyous Imbolc to you, Sarah! Our return to light on the Keweenaw is delayed by dark Februaries full of snowstorms, but we celebrate the new beginning nonetheless. May this be a fresh start!
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Delayed but still there. Underneath the snow, life is stirring. Behind clouds, the sun is giving us more light. 🙂 Here’s to a fresh start. Thanks, Charli!
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Feb 1st = New Start? That’s exactly what I did!
I decided to make a bullet journal to track my exercise and habits. It starts in Feb since I figured it would be a waste of time and effort to try to think back through January. Plus I didn’t lock down my exercise routine until the beginning of February. Anyways, yes! February is a good time to start new!
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Nice! Sounds like a perfect new start for you. Got to catch up a bit online here. I’ve missed a lot, apparently.
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Best midwinter wishes to you! I love February because you can really start to see the days getting longer, plus all those cinnamon heart candies that I can. not. resist.
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I know! I can imagine the sunlight staying longer as soon as the Winter Solstice hits but, in February, I can really begin to notice it. ❤ Stock up on those candles, lovely. Just don't save them. You know the story of the woman with the rose candle that was "too pretty to burn"…
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I’m so late! I also didn’t know February 1st had a special meaning, but I sure like the idea behind it. Health and happiness back to you, friend.
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Not too late, really. Only a few days. Plus, new beginnings don’t go away. 🙂 Yeah, it’s loaded with meaning in lots of different cultures going way back. Also, the Christian Candlemas.
Health, happiness, and speedy writing to you, my friend!
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I love this approach to February 1! Yes, this is a time of year when winter feels like it might last forever. It’s good to be reminded that isn’t the case.
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Indeed. I needed a reminder for sure. 🙂 It’s a lovely way to think about this time of year.
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