I Smell Snow!

It’s time to bring out the blankets and embrace the cosy season. Laura Williams talks about the importance of embracing change, no matter what the winter brings!

I’ve got a confession to make. I was a latecomer to Gilmore Girls.

I only watched it for the first time last year, but when I was ill a few weeks ago, I decided to revisit Stars Hollow, and let me tell you, it was exactly what I needed. If you haven’t seen it yet, imagine a show that feels like a warm hug with every episode – witty banter, quirky characters and the cosiest little town you can imagine; set across the Autumn/Winter seasons.

And then there’s Lorelai… She has this uncanny way of sensing when the first snowfall is coming, and for her, it’s more than just weather. It’s a sign that something magical is on the way: “I smell snow!”

Changes in the Seasons

As school business leaders, we often need to be a bit like Lorelai, sensing when change is on the horizon and preparing for it – whether it’s the day-to-day challenges that come with working in schools, a shift in funding, a new initiative, or a new government! And we navigate these challenges much like Lorelai navigates her way through life in Stars Hollow, with humour, resilience, a touch of grace and of course, occasional clumsiness!

It’s not always easy, and sometimes it feels like we’re bracing ourselves for a storm rather than the excitement of fresh snow.

As much as I love this time of year, it is sad saying goodbye to the long, sun-filled days of summer. But by embracing change and creating new habits and routines for the new season, it helps me keep looking ahead instead of behind.

Embracing the Change

Whether it’s lighting a seasonal scented candle (now I’m onto Yankee Candle Christmas Magic), investing in yet another super-soft throw blanket, or making time for a quiet evening with a good book (and yes, probably another rewatch of Gilmore Girls), these little pleasures make a big difference. They remind us to take a breath, slow down, and savour the moment amidst the hustle and bustle of our busy lives.

Seasons shift and change is constant, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find joy in it somewhere. Like Lorelai, we can choose to look for the magic in what’s coming, even if it’s a little uncertain or intimidating. And by surrounding ourselves with things that make us happy, we can create our own little pockets of contentment, no matter what’s happening outside. These moments of joy become our refuge, helping us to recharge and refocus.

So, let’s be ready to say, “I smell snow,” welcoming whatever comes our way with a little hope, a lot of courage, and a belief that something good is just around the corner.

Here’s to the changing season and snuggly evenings!