The Quiet Struggle of Winter
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
I choose to only bike seasonally—
Still, off-cycling season is hard.
What’s this time of year like for you?
I'm walking long hallways,
Riding stationary bicycle,
Cheering as days bring longer light,
Reminding myself to cherish the moment.
Nevertheless, it is a stretch for me to stay upbeat.
And I've had a bad cold. Yuck!
Maybe that's true for you, too.
Enjoying jigsaw puzzles,
Tidying up dresser drawers,
Visits with other shoppers in our great food co-op,
Noticing my husband, Bob's progress,
His firmer stride as he moves with walker.
Good things in each day.
What helps you?
I'm practicing my talk.
I get to speak in Lakeville, MN on Jan 17,
In Faribault, MN on Jan 29.
Check my speaking gig page to see details,
Come listen!
I'd love to have you in the audience.
As I practice,
I'm hearing phrases I tell folks:
Encouragement I deliver about
Engaging in each day—
Engaging while Ageing.
"Oh," I say.
“I'm talking to me right now!”
"Sometimes it takes more effort
To keep doing what you love.”
"We all change. How can you continue
To follow even pieces of your dream?"
"What decision can you make to stretch yourself?"
"What stretch of any size feels worthwhile?
A stretch that gives a sense of accomplishment
With your effort?"
Good to realize I can take lessons from bike challenge,
To encourage me in my "off-bike-life.”
When I ride,
I spend lots of time "philosophizing on a bike seat.”
Time for me to soak it in.
If you are quietly struggling,
May you find patience and kindness
To carry you through.
Sending hugs to each of you,
Lin
Bob and completed puzzle of MN state landmarks
Rehearsing my talk at home.
A seasonal puzzle we completed. Good activity for these shorter, darker days!
Bob well enough to be in kitchen! Hooray!
Limerick:
On days when my thinking gets dreary,
It's no help to cover with cheery.
Now's time to take heart,
From words I impart.
We all have both upbeat and teary.
Leave a comment below with your best wintertime coping tips!
Oh I could so relate to what you said about struggles this time of year, walking indoors (the hallway, staircases, mall walking – whatever!), stationary bike, and yes, I too am cheering that the days are getting slowly longer as I long for sunshine and fight back against the S.A.D.that strikes many of us in the north country. Thank you for your uplifting words, Lin. It’s nice to know that we are not alone out there. I was also smiling as I just joined the ‘health shoppers’ at my local good food stores, you are so right, it’s a community there of people with the common interest of staying healthy and finding friends ‘indoors’. God bless you in your work, both outdoors and indoors — you continually inspire me!
Your generous words bring me a few tears and a big smile! Thanks, Jill! Hugs… 🙂
My favorite “upper” Is to watch the Canon river flow over the Byllesby dam from the Mill Towns bridge. Let me know when you are ready to go!
What a terrific invitation! Sounds like an experience of “flow” for sure! 🙂 With appreciation…
My best coping technique that I started several years ago is to leave Minnesota for 1 – 2 months. 😂 I leave for California the end of January. I am grateful that I am able to do so. I hope to stop in at the VOC some Friday afternoon before I leave.
Hugs, Susan
Yummy! I like it! Thanks, Susan–hope to catch a glimpse of you before you go.