The Winter solstice happens on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and marks the year's shortest day (7 hours and 40 minutes of daylight), after which days lengthen. "Solstice" means "Sun Stands Still," as the sun appears momentarily stationary in the sky. In the tradition of Winter solstice celebrations (e.g. Yule—Scandinavia, Saturnalia—Rome, and Dongzhi—China and East Asia); I share some affirmations to rekindle hope in dark days. [11.11.24.]

Rekindle the spirit

Since the U.S. elections, I’ve been feeling defeated. Life gives us disappointments and it’s up to us to get up by our bootstraps and try again. Kamala Harris (in the concession speech) said, “Even in moments of disappointment, we can find hope and strength in our shared purpose.” This sums up how I feel in this moment but also relates to finding strength in darker Winter months.

Inspiring themes from Yule and Winter Solstice

Here are a few inspiring themes I’ll be meditating on, as I choose to restore and recharge my energy these Winter months:

Renewal and rebirth (celebrating light and hope through candles, fires and yule logs)
Nature’s cycle (noticing the cyclical nature of seasons, death and rebirth)
Inner reflection (quiet introspection, rest, intention setting)
Connection and community (intentional gathering, kindness and warmth)
Gratitude for survival (appreciating our inner resourcefulness, strengths and capabilities to endure hardships)
Transformation (letting go of old habits and negativity and making space for light, truth, and magic)

Winter solstice affirmations

Restore and recharge

Liberating ourselves from expectations, pressures and other’s opinions lets us create more space for our intuition. We often want to control, fix or force outcomes. How can we go with the flow and allow for more lightness and contentment? These affirmations will help restore and recharge your energy for more fulfilling days.

I let go of negativity and limiting beliefs that hold me back
I take a moment to reflect on this year: what strengths/ gifts/ capabilities did I develop?
I properly rest each day (without guilt)
My heart is open to new possibilities, and I welcome positive change.
I release fear and doubt, embracing faith in myself and my journey.
My inner strength grows with every challenge I overcome.
I see mistakes and failures as stepping stones to becoming my best self
I find 10 reasons to be grateful for each day no matter how busy life gets

Hope: following your north star

Our potential is limitless but towards the end of the year, it’s easy to lose direction. Elevate your energy and vision while crystalising your “big why” or north star. By tuning into our heartfelt intentions we can begin to build momentum that will carry us into 2025.

I act on my deepest values even when it’s hard
I spend time in prayer, reconnecting to my inner compass, integrity, and deep knowing to find my direction
I am a life force full of goodness, truth and light
I trust in a deeper truth that my life is unfolding majestically and magnificently
I listen to my heart, knowing that my inner truth leads to lasting fulfilment
May I use every word intentionally for the benefit of all
When I doubt myself I come back to what inspires and fulfils me to dream bigger
I release other’s expectations, knowing I’m living my life and going on my own journey

Survival and strength

In times of transition, we can get lost in the darkness. Allow yourself to see the struggle as a strength, pain as a purpose, and rejection as a redirection. By removing limiting beliefs and blocks we’re free to reunite with our fierce and fearless selves.

Each setback fuels my fire to achieve more
I trust that every difficulty I face is preparing me for something greater
I go with the flow and adapt to challenges effortlessly
I choose healing, growth, and evolution
Rejection is redirection. I just need one yes
Challenges allow me to prove my resilience, determination and inner strength
I commit to my soft power: adaptable resilience, quiet strength, calm confidence
I let each annoyance go — I shake off negativity immediately

Personal reflections

It’s coming up to my 38th birthday tomorrow. As I get older I get a mixture of emotions on my birthday. There’s happiness that I’ve made it to this age, tinged with sadness at lost opportunities and hope that I can overcome my demons 👿 to fulfil my true potential 👼.

I’ve been sensing a lot of darkness, blocked energy and frustration lately. I love being a mother but sometimes I get dysregulated and stressed easily at the mess, the noise, and the constant interruptions. I’m not patient, and I can see my shortcomings with each spilled milk bottle, or each item I forget to add to the shopping list.

I’m trying my best to accept this new stage of life I am in. The process of becoming a mother is called Matrescence.

Matrescence: “Those physical, psychological and emotional changes you go through after the birth of your child” (CambridgeDictionary.org)

My brain and body are slowly catching up with this new reality of Matrescence. Sure, I can get dysregulated easily, and I’m not always kind to myself. But this November I hope I can find time to embody acceptance, adaptability and kindness. I hope I can meditate a bit each day (even if it’s just 10 conscious deep breaths). I’d like to use these intentions (particularly, “Each setback fuels my fire and desire to achieve more”) to rekindle my self-belief when I get down days. Because they will come and it’s up to us to find our strength in the struggle, choosing glimmers* of joy in the darkness.

*Glimmers: small, positive moments that evoke feelings of calm, joy, or safety—essentially the opposite of triggers, which cause stress or discomfort. Originating in trauma-informed therapy, glimmers encourage noticing tiny uplifting cues like a warm breeze, a kind word, or the smell of coffee. By appreciating these gentle moments, we can nurture resilience and reconnect to a sense of well-being.

Are you feeling blocked and frustrated? Book a therapy session here.

Winter solstice affirmations to restore hope