Get ready... at 10:03 a.m. ET today, the winter solstice will be upon us!!

I've usually not been excited about the shortest day of the year. But this year, I'm very excited.

Why?

Because winter solstice marks the start of a growing season, when seeds are planted that will blossom months later.

It's a time when nature encourages us to slow down, rest, dream and trust the inspirations, actions and accomplishments that will come from it.

And what makes seeds grow into thriving plants? It starts with dark, rich soil.

Just like the seasons, a seed's time in the darkness is natural and essential. It's part of a cycle that leads to the beauty of what grows above.

What seeds -- intentions, goals, dreams -- do you want to plant this winter?

Write them down. Then...

• Nurture them with very good self-care and intentional effort.

• Let them be and trust in the process of your work.

• Surrender some control to what the end result will look like. It might be different, and better, than you expected!

(Listen to this great podcast episode that inspired me, for more on how to enjoy the winter: A Wild New Work: Come Down into the Gracious, Quiet Winter)

I'm wishing you a happy solstice and start to your growing season.