New Seeds for A New Season

February 13, 2026  | 26 Shevat 5686

We are almost 2 months into 2026, and the winter season is certainly making itself known. 

Colder weather, slower days, and an endless cycle of exhausting and heavy news. Even with bursts of joy from an epic halftime show, or excitement from watching winter olympians, So many people I talk to are describing an underlying feeling of tiredness and being stuck. 

It may not be surprising to know, this feeling may actually be aligned with the season we’re moving through. However, it can be so easy to get caught up in feeling like we should be more motivated. Yet, that heavy, quiet sense of overwhelm remains present. 

Jewish time offers a fresh perspective. The current lunar month, Shevat, embraces the themes of rebirth and renewal. In this month, the holiday of Tubshvat, the birthday of the trees, is celebrated. A celebration of growth in the past year and gratitude for what’s to come. 

Depending on where you live, it may feel nearly impossible to connect with anything green thanks to the long lasting snow piles still attempting to melt. Even beneath that snow, there’s still something worth celebrating - roots growing deeper and new seeds patiently waiting for their arrival. We just may not be able to see that just yet.

This also mirrors the work of therapy. A long-lasting commitment to individual growth that invites us to look beneath the surface, and understand our own roots. Whether it’s a challenge at work, a relational rupture, or rediscovering the feeling of joy - one must be willing to investigate, understand what’s not working, and be open to change. Through curiosity, reflection, and oftentimes discomfort, positive shifts begin.

This shift doesn’t happen overnight. 

This work requires time. 

To be willing to unlearn and relearn.

To not only plant the seeds, but to water consistently.

To meet oneself with self-compassion

To trust that long-lasting growth is possible.

Just like a seasonal rotation, a yearly birthday or milestone, or a cyclical pattern, good things take time. 

As you enter into your weekend and the remainder of Shevat, consider the following:

• How would you like to celebrate your growth this year?

• Are there seeds you’d like to plant this year, but unsure where to start? 

• Have you considered the ways you’re actively growing already, but can’t see it? Consider meeting yourself with compassion instead of judgement. 

If you’re feeling burned out or stuck and are curious about additional support, you can add your name here.

I’d love to hear how this seed settles for you! If this feels helpful, feel free to share it with someone you think could benefit from it too. 

Wishing you warmth as winter wraps up, and a friendly reminder that spring is right around the corner.

Shabbat Shalom✨

Ethically,

Emily