January 2022 Editor's Note: A Time for Comfort

January 2022

by stephanie toews, executive editor

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”

Edith Sitwell

When our team set out to plan the January issue several months ago, rather than the typical “New Year, New You” themed articles, we chose to focus on embracing what we believe each of us is in search of- comfort. Not a false sense of ease, but rather contentment in the journey towards overall health, relaxation, and wellbeing.

Life is fast-paced and uncertain, and more often than not, the things thrown our way are outside our control. Finding moments of joy is absolutely about the choice to create time and space in our lives for moments that bring us rest and rejuvenation. Comfort undoubtedly looks different for everyone. It might look like lighting a candle to signal a settling into home, listening to music, prayer, meditation, getting outside in nature, or sitting in the stillness undistracted. Perhaps it’s found in a consoling meal around the table or wrapped in a cozy blanket by the fireplace, a warm cup of coffee or tea after a long and stressful day, or in the arms of our loved ones embracing each moment together as the gift that it is.

As with nature, life brings seasons- spring and summer, when everything is most beautifully in bloom, and you don’t have to look hard to find the sunshine. And fall and winter, when things are cold and dreary, the sunlight is harder to find, and life feels far from comfortable. In the latter, we have to choose contentment and create moments of comfort. Yet, it is here where something brilliant is preparing to break forth, recovery, new life, growth, and beauty; hope is waiting to make its grand entrance once again.

This month's articles are centered on comfort in all of its forms- through hobbies, recreation, dining, home, and community. I hope you will find inspiration to create calm and find rest, even while the winter winds blow all around us.

Happy New Year!

Love,

Stephanie

Originally printed in the January 2022 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Never miss an issue, check out SLM's digital editions here!

Stephanie Toews

Stephanie is finding joy in the journey of faith, marriage, motherhood, and friendships. Writing is her therapy and one of her favorite creative outlets.

Adopting One Word to Guide Your Year

Tired of non-starter New Year's resolutions? What if there was a more effective and holistic way to achieve your goals while also living more intentionally for the entire year? Introducing: The Word of the Year. 

Finding Calm in the Chaos

Calm has become like a unicorn in our culture – this rare, magical, unattainable trait that's just out of our reach. So, I say, let's bring this magic to life in our lives, adopting simplicity and a counter-cultural peace that doesn’t wane and wax with the day’s circumstances.

Cooking Up Comfort with Sophie's Kitchen

Sophie's Kitchen, which opened its doors in November 2019, is taking comfort food to the next level.

Keeping the Calm at Home

Looking at how creating routines at home can help it to be the calm center for our family to rely upon, regardless of what's happening out in the world.