As the year winds down, I prepare for my annual break—something I’ve been practicing for the past three years.

Typically, I block off the time between Christmas and New Year’s, a week dedicated to unplugging, savoring family moments, organizing my workspace, enjoying the magic of holiday lights, and cozying up with a warm cup of cocoa by the fire.

This year, though, I’m viewing this season with new eyes.

My colleague Samantha Pickering recently shared a term that beautifully encapsulates this time: Wintering Well. It resonates deeply with me, so much so that I’ve decided this will be the name for what I previously called my holiday break.

In years past, I approached this week as self-care—a brief reprieve from my desk and responsibilities.

However, after a year of profound personal growth, deeper self-connection, and dedication to my mission of supporting Autistic and ADHD women, this season feels more purposeful.

This year, I am intentionally Wintering Well.

Preparing to Winter Well

I’ve been preparing differently this time around. Earlier today, I bought two poster boards: one for a Gratitude Board, displaying the notes from my 2024 gratitude jar, and another for my Vision Board for 2025.

The Gratitude Board will serve as a tangible reminder of the many people who’ve brought joy, support, and kindness into my life this past year.

It’s a reflection of the small yet significant moments that have shaped my journey—not in isolation, but in community.

It’s also a gentle nudge to embrace the principles my mentor Judy Umlas teaches: Grateful Leadership and The Power of Acknowledgment.

Gratitude is not just an internal practice for me; it’s an act of connection and community—one of my core values.

Writing down these notes is meaningful, but sharing them with the people who inspired them is even more impactful.

In 2025, I aim to embody gratitude more expressively, amplifying connection through acknowledgment.

Reflecting on 2024

I won’t sugarcoat it—2024 was financially challenging for my business.

Various factors contributed, some within my control and others shaped by external changes in the markets I served.

My business coach often says, “Contrast creates clarity,” and this year has been a masterclass in contrast. That clarity is shaping my vision for the year ahead.

Through intentional meditation, I’m creating space to reflect, visualize, and plan how to serve my Autistic and ADHD sisters more effectively.

As I step into this pause, I’ll draw on tools from my meditation instructor certification to guide this process.

My vision includes supporting women as they navigate life’s complexities: perimenopause, relationships, parenting, career transitions, aging parents, housing changes, and, most importantly, the journey toward a more authentic and compassionate relationship with themselves.

An Invitation to Winter Well

I invite you to join me in the power of the pause.

How can you Winter Well this season?

What intentional steps will you take to create space for rest, reflection, and renewal?

I’ll return in January, eager to share how Whittington Well-Being and I will be supporting our incredible neurodistinct community in 2025.

May you Winter Well, my friend.

Joyfully yours,
Carole Jean

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