Cold, But Clear

March 5, 2026

The image above is a design I’ve been developing for my upcoming spring collection. It represents the balance of life and death — a reminder that life grows from death, just as spring blossoms emerge from the decay of winter.

It’s March now, and a lot of us are fiending for the end of winter — dreading each present day while looking forward to “better days.”

“This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

When we spend too much time wishing for different circumstances, we start drifting away from the present moment. Our thoughts get scattered, our emotions get cloudy, and our routines lose their clarity.

The days are short, the weather’s cold, routines unclear, and it’s easy to start feeling a little off. A lot of people experience seasonal depression this time of year — a dip in mood and motivation that comes from less sunlight, less movement, and being indoors more than usual.

But winter itself isn’t the real problem. Losing your center is.

Here’s how to curb it to the best of your ability.

1. Gratitude.

The easiest, most cliché, yet most important remedy. Every day, think of three things you’re grateful for — relationships, people, places, belongings, hobbies, your job, your circumstances, anything. Try to think of new ones each time. It’s crazy how much this works. It immediately centers you every single time.

"Don't let bad times make you forget how blessed you are."

2. Exercise and eat clean.

This one’s no secret. What exercise does chemically to your brain is unmatched — it releases endorphins, improves mood, and brings your energy back online. Pair that with proper nutrition and you’re giving your brain the fuel it actually needs to function well.

"Don't wish for less problems, wish for more skills." – Jim Rohn

3. Immerse yourself in the cold.

Don’t run from discomfort — embrace it. Cold exposure triggers the release of neurotransmitters that improve mood and emotional regulation, creating a natural high. Go for a walk in the cold. Shovel your walkway. Take a couple deep breaths outside while it’s snowing. What hurts in the moment is usually worth it later.

"Hard times don't create heroes. It is during the hard times when the 'hero' within us is revealed." — Bob Riley

Another way I’ve learned to embrace winter:

Skiing

Exercise, skill development, social connection, adrenaline, gratitude, nature, and cold exposure — all in one activity. If you live somewhere that snows and you hate the winter, you need to try this. It completely changes how you experience the season.

"The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead." — Marjorie Pay Hinckley

I recently went skiing on a sunny 43-degree day and only had to wear a hoodie as my top layer. For anyone who skis, that’s a warm ski day.

I looked no further than the Mat Ethos “Train With Purpose” hoodie to keep me warm and comfortable, and I got multiple compliments on it throughout the day.

Warm, comfortable, and stylish — while also connected to a powerful message: Train With Purpose. Live With Ethos.

A slogan that encourages us to push through struggles — both in training and in life — and to live by the principles we talk about here. Humility, gratitude, resilience. Everything embodied in the brand.

I skied with a purpose that day — reflecting on everything I’m grateful for.

And that’s really what living with ethos means: moving through life with intention, appreciating the moment you’re in, and carrying the lessons you learn through struggle into everything else you do.