This winter has been a lot. Between the endless snow days, the ice, the pneumonia and flu outbreaks, and four kids rotating through sickness after sickness… life has felt heavy. If you’re also living somewhere cold, juggling little ones, and watching school closures pop up like wildfire, you probably feel it too.
Today I wanted to share a small-but-mighty book that has really stayed with me: Peaks and Valleys by Spencer Johnson. It offers a simple parable about the highs and lows of life, and honestly — it’s exactly the kind of grounding encouragement I’ve needed in this season.
ANOTHER SNOW DAY ❄️
And with more snow on the way, I’m fully expecting school to be canceled again tomorrow. It’s fine. It’s all fine. But it has been a tough winter for us (and for my friends, and basically… everyone). Between sickness, the weather, and my complete inability to take my daily stroller walks, I’ve had to remind myself constantly to look for the small wins.
Little things like:
- lighting a candle 🕯️
- sitting by the fireplace with a homemade latte ☕
- knowing my fridge, freezer, and pantry are full
- remembering that my kids are healthy in the big-picture sense
- appreciating the stability of home, marriage, and warmth
Those tiny moments really do add up when everything else feels overwhelming.
I DIDN’T PLAN TO COVER THIS BOOK… BUT IT’S PERFECT 📚
When I read Peaks and Valleys a few weeks ago, I didn’t originally plan to make a post out of it — even though it’s packed with lessons. But this week? It’s exactly what I needed, and I know it will hit home for many of you too.
THE BIG TAKEAWAY
Life is made of peaks and valleys — and neither one lasts forever.
- You don’t get to stay on a peak forever.
- You won’t be stuck in a valley forever.
- And the work you do in the valley is what builds the strength, perspective, and growth you’ll feel on your next peak.
But here’s the part I loved:
Your valley prepares you for your peak, and your peak prepares you for your next valley. They’re connected. They teach each other. And if you’re in a low season (I fully am), you can trust that you’re being strengthened for what’s coming next.
HOLDING ON UNTIL SPRING 🌱
I keep reminding myself that spring is right around the corner. There will be barefoot kids, sticky popsicles, splash pads, grilling outside, and lingering daylight past 7 p.m.
There will be:
- no more frozen hands buckling car seats
- no more snowsuits, gloves, hats, and boots
- easy (read: easier) morning routines
- outdoor play that actually tires kids out 🙌
The valley is temporary. It always is.
HIDDEN GOODNESS IN HARD TIMES 💛
One of the book’s most beautiful messages is that there is always good hidden in a difficult season — but we have to train ourselves to look for it. The discomfort wakes us up to what we’re longing for.
Right now? I’m longing for sunshine. And it’s coming.
SHOULD YOU READ IT?
Yes. It’s a quick, simple, soothing little book with surprisingly deep wisdom. Perfect for a snow day when you’re trapped inside yet again.
Available on Kindle, audiobook, or as a physical copy. Or check your library — that’s where I found mine.