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Episode 166: Happy In the Winter (Especially When the World is On Fire)
Winter can be heavy — physically, emotionally, politically, spiritually.
And for many of us, January in particular can feel destabilizing, tender, and overwhelming.
In this opening episode of Season 6, Erin shares honestly about where she’s been this winter: a painful injury, heightened fear and grief, and the emotional toll of witnessing human suffering in the world. She names what it feels like to be sad, scared, and grieving — while still feeling like herself.
This episode introduces the guiding idea for the season: happiness is not forced optimism or denial — it’s orientation. It’s about where we allow our attention to return, even when things are not fine.
Rather than chasing positivity, Erin invites listeners into a gentle, non-judgmental practice: choosing a word for the winter — not as a goal or personality test, but as a lens to widen perspective and soften the edges of a difficult season.
This episode is for anyone who:
feels emotionally porous or overwhelmed this winter
is tired of performative positivity
wants language for being distressed without being lost
is looking for steadiness, beauty, and connection in small, human ways
You don’t need to feel happy all the time.
You don’t need to fix the winter.
You’re allowed to move through it — one day at a time — with a little more capacity than yesterday.
Mentioned in this episode:
The concept of orientation vs. optimism
Seasonal emotional patterns and January destabilization
Choosing a word for the winter (Erin’s word: cinematic)
Happiness as a North Star, not a destination
Listener Invitation:
Choose a word for your winter.
Let it guide what you notice (light, movement, connection, meaning) without judgment or pressure to share.
Connect with Erin:
View all episodes
By Erin Vandeven
5
55 ratings
Winter can be heavy — physically, emotionally, politically, spiritually.
And for many of us, January in particular can feel destabilizing, tender, and overwhelming.
In this opening episode of Season 6, Erin shares honestly about where she’s been this winter: a painful injury, heightened fear and grief, and the emotional toll of witnessing human suffering in the world. She names what it feels like to be sad, scared, and grieving — while still feeling like herself.
This episode introduces the guiding idea for the season: happiness is not forced optimism or denial — it’s orientation. It’s about where we allow our attention to return, even when things are not fine.
Rather than chasing positivity, Erin invites listeners into a gentle, non-judgmental practice: choosing a word for the winter — not as a goal or personality test, but as a lens to widen perspective and soften the edges of a difficult season.
This episode is for anyone who:
feels emotionally porous or overwhelmed this winter
is tired of performative positivity
wants language for being distressed without being lost
is looking for steadiness, beauty, and connection in small, human ways
You don’t need to feel happy all the time.
You don’t need to fix the winter.
You’re allowed to move through it — one day at a time — with a little more capacity than yesterday.
Mentioned in this episode:
The concept of orientation vs. optimism
Seasonal emotional patterns and January destabilization
Choosing a word for the winter (Erin’s word: cinematic)
Happiness as a North Star, not a destination
Listener Invitation:
Choose a word for your winter.
Let it guide what you notice (light, movement, connection, meaning) without judgment or pressure to share.
Connect with Erin:
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