Winter Bliss

I think that word, bliss, is over-used this days. I see it everywhere. In blog posts (ahem, like this one), in books and in the name of a popular online magazine. Bliss this... bliss that.

But let's be honest most of life isn't bliss. Or maybe it's just mine. Maybe you're all living in bliss while I'm living through the chores, routines, service and obligations that make up my life as mother, wife, homemaker & homeschooler. Don't get me wrong, my days are filled with many moments of joy and an overall undercurrent of contentment. Is that what people mean by bliss?

I can't speak for others but bliss, as I know it, is reserved for moments of pure joy and happiness that are fleeting and don't often occur everyday. (I feel a little vulnerable saying this because maybe everyone else is living in bliss-ville while I'm struggling to keep myself motivated to cook, clean and teach the children to be kind to each other). Late winter especially is hardly the time of year that I would describe as bliss-ful.

But I can honestly say that this past weekend in the woods was filled with more moments of happiness than I'm apt to experience on an ordinary weekend.

It was a lot of work getting there, to that cabin in the woods. Planning, packing, cooking and the late night teary discussion with Damien, you can read that whole story here.

But it was so, so worth it. To have the time and space away from ordinary life. To breathe-in the trees, the snow and woodsmoke. To feel the cold in my bones and then be hotter than the blazes by the fire. To physically push myself but then feel sweet peace and rest. The people I love all cozy together under one roof, the winter wind blowing through the tall trees outside.

A backpacking trip to a cabin in the woods. Winter bliss.