Written by Somatic Therapist Sarah Forde, MA, LPC, CYT
The new year is here, and with it comes the familiar chorus: What’s your New Year’s resolution?! It’s as if January 1st demands a radical transformation of who we are.
But what if we paused? What if we chose grace instead of pressure? What if we reframed this time of year, embracing it not as a race to self-improvement but as a season? We can call it…
The Quiet Lessons of Winter.
Winter, in its stillness, invites us to slow down and turn inward. In nature – which we are inseparable from – this is a time for rest, reflection, and conserving energy, a stark contrast to the constant demand for productivity and reinvention that our culture often demands as the new year begins.
Instead of rigid resolutions or striving to “fix” ourselves, what if we allowed ourselves to hold this season - and ourselves- lightly? What if we treated January not as a starting line for high-pressure goals but as an extension of winter’s quiet wisdom – a time to listen, reflect, and root ourselves more deeply in our truth?
How does this land in your body?
For me, I feel an exhale, a release, and a sense of relief in my body; like butter melting or honey oozing.
As I tune into winter’s quiet wisdom, I can’t help but reflect on a theme that has woven itself through my personal and professional journey: stepping into my power. This past year has been one of transformation – raw, messy, and profoundly beautiful; like a caterpillar dissolving into goo, preparing to emerge one day as a beautiful butterfly. I thought I’d share a little bit about what is moving through me during this time of year as a somatic therapist and, well, human being. Not because I have it all figured out, but because I’m learning that sharing our humanity is one of the most powerful acts we can offer each other.
The Subtle Ways We Lose Power
For much of my life, I’ve struggled with the subtle and not-so-subtle ways I’ve given my power away. Sometimes it was through perfectionism, bending over backward to meet everyone else’s needs while silencing my own. Other times, it was through self-doubt, questioning whether I was worthy enough, capable enough, or simply “enough.” And there were moments of fear – fear of being seen, fear of being too much, fear of my own voice shaking the ground beneath me.
As a somatic therapist, I often guide others to reconnect with their bodies and reclaim the wisdom that lives within them. But this year, I found myself needing to take my own guidance in deeper, more embodied ways. I could no longer ignore the quiet whispers of my soul- the ones that said:
You are ready. You are powerful. Step forward.
But stepping into power is not a straight path. It’s not always bold declarations or big leaps. For me, it has been about small, consistent acts of courage. It’s been about pausing long enough to feel what my body is telling me: the tightness in my chest when I’m silencing my truth, the grounding in my feet when I’m aligned with my values, and the flutter of excitement when I’ve allowed myself to take up space unapologetically. It’s these small, tolerable steps that are actually monumental.
This year, I’ve had to face some hard truths. I’ve had to acknowledge the ways I’ve kept myself small to avoid conflict, to preserve relationships, or to maintain a fragile sense of safety. I’ve had to grieve old patterns and identities that no longer serve me. And I’ve had to learn how to stand in my power without mistaking it for control, force, or domination.
Real power, I’ve come to experientially understand, is quiet, steady, and rooted…
… much like the bare tree in winter, standing still yet unwavering, its roots extending deep into the earth, drawing strength from the unseen. It’s not about overpowering others but about being so deeply anchored in your truth that you can weather the storms of life with grace.
One of the most humbling lessons has been that stepping into power often means surrendering to something greater. For me, it has meant trusting the divine timing of my life, even when it doesn’t look the way I expected. It’s meant listening to the voice of spirit when it nudges me to let go, to say no, or to take a brave step forward. It’s meant leaning into the discomfort of growth, knowing that each challenge is shaping me into a truer version of myself.
A Poem for Reflection
I’m reminded of Mary Oliver’s poem called Wild Geese:
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
Pause. Take a moment. Notice what arises from reading her poem.
These words remind us that stepping into power is not about striving for perfection or repenting for some imagined inadequacy. It is about listening to the “soft animal of your body,” honoring its wisdom and allowing yourself to inhabit the truth of who you are. In therapy, we reclaim our place “in the family of things” by reconnecting with our bodies, our emotions, and our inherent belonging. We remember that we are not separate from the landscapes of our lives- the sun, the snow, the rivers, and yes, even the storms. We are part of a vast, unfolding story, and our power lies in embracing our unique role within it.
The Journey of Remembering
As I look back, I realize that stepping into my power has been less about becoming and more about remembering. Remembering the wholeness that has always been there. Remembering the wisdom of my body, the strength of my spirit, and the infinite capacity of my heart. It’s about returning to myself, over and over again, with tenderness and courage.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that we all have the capacity to step into our power. It doesn’t mean the fear disappears or that the journey is without stumbles. We come to find that the pain of shrinking ourselves and living out of alignment is far greater than the fear of stepping into our truth. Each time we choose to listen to our inner voice, to honor our boundaries, to speak our truth, or to take up space, we reclaim a piece of ourselves. In doing so, we inspire others to do the same. And by connecting with ourselves, we can connect with one another. This is the gift of stepping into power- a gift that ripples outward.
And so…
Here is an invitation to step forward.
I invite you to reflect:
What does power mean to you, and how does it feel in your body?
In what areas of your life do you feel disconnected from your sense of strength or autonomy?
How do you recognize a YES or NO in your body? What sensations guide you?
What situations or relationships have made it challenging to stay grounded in your inner truth, and how can you honor the wisdom within you calling you to take up space?
What small steps can you take to reclaim your voice, truth, and personal power?
A Gentle Reminder
While this invitation can be empowering and transformative on your own, it’s natural for challenging emotions or old patterns to surface as you explore these questions. If you’re feeling lost, confused, or unsure, know that you’re not alone. In some cases, experiences like trauma, anxiety, and stress have made it difficult to connect with your yes’s and no’s. That’s okay. In times like these, working with a somatic therapist can provide support, offering a safe space to navigate these experiences and reconnect with your inner wisdom.
To anyone reading this, I see you. I honor your journey, wherever you are on it. And I remind you of this simple truth: Your power has always been within you. May you step into it with grace, courage, and the unwavering knowing that you are enough.
And to you – sweet winter- I bow. Thank you for inviting us to slow down, turn inward, and remember.
With Gratitude,
Sarah & the Empower Women Counseling Team
Are you ready to step into your power?
This winter, as nature slows down, give yourself permission to reflect and reconnect. Book a free consultation with Sarah to explore how somatic therapy can support you in grounding deeply, navigating life’s transitions, and embracing your truth.
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