Here in Western Pennsylvania, as in much of the US, we’re in a deep freeze. I’m sending my thoughts and prayers for warmth and safety to all who are without power, who have sustained loss, and to all who are confronting another onslaught of severe weather.
Our day-long blizzard here started just before last Sunday morning arrived. For much of the day I could barely see trees that were no more than 20 feet away.
Winter can be daunting. It brings out both the best and the worst in us—our courage and ingenuity, our love for adventure, our will to be helpful to others, and our general orneriness.
To stay on the positive side of things, do what you can to take care of yourself: Eat real food instead of snacking on junk; keep yourself hydrated; balance being in motion with being at rest, balance work with play. Then do what you can to lift the spirits of those around you.
If you’re stuck indoors for long periods of time, find things to keep yourself busy. Challenge yourself to see how long you can stay away from your screens. Pull out a neglected hobby and work on it. Clean out a drawer or closet. Organize your book shelves. Revamp your budget. Put on some music and sing along or dance. Make entries in your gratitude journal. Play with your kids or your pets.
The main thing is to accept complete responsibility for your mood. You’re the one who assigns meaning to your circumstances. You get to choose how to respond to them.
If you find yourself falling into the orneries, pay attention to what you’re telling yourself. Changing your self-talk can change everything.
Be kind to you. You matter.
Be kind to those around you, too. Everybody is under increased stress. It’s a great time to set an example, to spread some extra smiles, to look people in the eye so they know you really see them. Offer help where you can. Take time to listen.
Ask yourself, “How can I be my Best Self right now?” Then follow your best ideas.
Be the light. Get your shine on. Then watch how it reflects back to you.
I know that you already know all of this. But sometimes it helps to have a little reminder—whether you’re buried in snow or not.
In the meantime, know that I’m holding you in my thoughts, and wishing you comfort and clear skies. And so are thousands of other people.
Remember: This, too, shall pass.
Warmly,
Susan
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