Here’s my suggestion: give yourself a break! 

The change of seasons can sometimes catch us unawares, feeling a little more tired, not quite able to snap into the time change. I’ve read that it can take a whole week for our bodies to adjust. So what if, instead of forcing ourselves onward, we tried being really kind to ourselves? 

Are you starting to notice that the light is shifting? More light in the day can really elevate our moods. So often over this winter, with storms raging and darkness falling early, I found myself saying, “We’re in the bleak midwinter.” But I saw my first snowdrops last week!

I was just talking to a client this morning about this. She was describing how she feels frantic, a lot, and every time she meditates she feels calmer.

Barbara was telling me about a recent tandem biking trip in Croatia. One ride, with her spouse and another couple, was up a very steep mountain grade toward a quaint village several miles away. 

It is time for a confession:  I love to listen to Delilah, a syndicated radio host who for over 2 decades has played schmaltzy love songs along with inspirational pop tunes, sprinkled with her brand of tough love advice and wisdom.   The other evening, she was reading a letter from a listener and then said to the woman, “You are awesome and brave and tenacious.” 

I was at the local drug store early in the morning – pre-dawn.  Not moving quickly or feeling particularly peppy, and no one else appeared to be, either.  But as I checked out, the clerk said with a smile, “Have a good morning and be well.”  It made me smile back.  I replied, “I know you have to say that, but it’s really nice that you do.”   The young woman said, “No, I like to.  If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

 “All you need is love…and coffee.”  I saw this on a mug that was at a holiday party last week.  It was given in the gift exchange.  I didn’t get it, but oh well.  I got the message.