Hello beautiful people!
I'm back on all platforms! Instagram, Goodreads, Pinterest, Twitter, and finally this blog. Though my followers be few, thank you so much for sticking with me while I was away for several months.
If you've read my earlier post, The Power of Stories, then you'll know I suffer from a mental illness. As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, I have more trouble coping than I do in the warmer months. Add all the holiday activities and stress and you've got a perfect storm for an overwhelmed, lethargic, apathetic blogger. That's why I was gone for so long. However, it's a new year, and as Anne of Green Gables likes to say, "Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?" With that in mind I'm taking life one day at a time and one step at a time to continue to grow and get better.
On that note here are five things that help get me through the winter (in no particular order):
1. Therapy: I can't say enough how much it helps to have a trained professional listen to you and help you through the tough stuff (and even the not so tough stuff). If you are struggling with something, seek help. Look into what counselors in your area specialize in. "Shop" around until you find a good fit. We were not meant to walk this earth alone. God has given us these wonderful gifts that enable us to love and help one another. So if you need it, find someone who has devoted their time to healing minds.
2. The Color Red: Hear me out. One of the things that makes winter so tough for some people is the dreariness and deadness of the world around them. I've read many articles discussing how color can affect mood. Green is the color of nature, luck, envy, and other things. Yellow can represent sunshine or sympathy. Blue reminds me of the sky, the ocean, and is very calming to me. Red is the color of love and cheer. Red is the most vibrant against the dreary backdrop of winter. For me, the color red is warm and lively, which makes it perfect for bleak days.
3. Hot Drinks: Hot Cocoa, Tea, Coffee, Cider. When I drink these things it warms me all the way to my toes. These drinks can be soothing and uplifting at the same time. Of course, winter is not the only time for hot drinks, but they do seem to taste even better when the temperature plummets.
4. Music: There is just something about music that speaks to the soul. My Pandora stations run the gamut from Beethoven to Broadway; from Sinatra to Shakira. (sidenote: I have way to much fun with alliterations). There is music out there for every mood. One of my favorites when I really need an energy boost is anything fun and upbeat. Favorite dance song this year: "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon.
Sorry, I couldn't find the origin of this image.
5. Affirmations: Whether it be a Bible verse, a well known quote, or a cute animal saying, "I believe in you," I put up positive reinforcement to remind me about the good things in life. I've changed my phone and computer backgrounds many times to keep the affirmations fresh. I've posted notes in my locker at work. I browse Pinterest for inspiring and uplifting Pins. These things help me stay positive and remind me that I am loved and worthy and wanted.
Of course, there are other things that can help make the winter better. Like reading, fireplaces, and snuggles with the hubby.
As always, thanks for reading,
Cordelia M. Blythe
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