I don’t like it when the time changes. I saw a cartoon posted yesterday on Facebook. A woman is standing in front of the window complaining that it’s pitch black outside and she has lost her perception of time. She thinks it’s midnight. Her husband calmly tells her it’s 5:27. Yeah, that’s me. I can easily crawl in a hole and not come out till spring but I’ve been preparing for this all week. I got my light therapy lamp out and started using it about an hour or two per day. I’ve walked or hiked 3-4 miles per day, 6 out of the last 7 days. I’ve hooked up with friends. I’ve made plans for several outings this week in addition to walking. I got the computer and my manuscript out over the weekend and I’ve started what I’m surely hoping is the last edit of my two books I’ve been working on. I avoided buying ice cream. ? Things are looking much better!
It isn’t easy to do good self-care when you’re alone. It takes a great deal of self-discipline…something that is in short supply when you’re grieving, actively or otherwise. I remember thinking how much better the winters were after Mr. Virgo came into my life. Having a partner gives life purpose. Having a partner that makes life so much fun makes everything else so much better. When it’s all up to you, and you aren’t feeling like your usual self, it’s easy to cut corners and let things slide. I was always a list maker and I have gotten out of the habit. I’m starting to make lists again. That way, everything that gets crossed off is something accomplished. It’s visual reinforcement and a reminder to keep going.
November and December aren’t so bad. We’ve got the holidays to plan and prepare for. January and February are where we get into trouble. Setting goals and reaching them, no matter how minor, gives you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Preparing yourself ahead of time, getting in the habit now of creating lists and setting goals, and keeping physically active leading up to those dark, sad, boring days will increase your chances of feeling better through them.
What are some of your goals this winter?
❤️
“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
Proverbs 4:25-27 NIV