January feels like a long month to me...
It is dreary and damp
I think it has a lot to do with our weather here in the Pacific Northwest...
I am passionate about the contrast of black and white,
whilst the muddy grey of the skies borders on tedious.
We get a huge amount of precipitation and when it's not raining, the clouds and fog hang around.
It feels cold because of all the moisture...makes one feel like cocooning in a shell...or given the opportunity Hibernating!
There are many people who go south to escape...to warmer climates.
This is not an option for me at this time so I have developed some strategies for coping.
I like to see the light when dark is all around..
I seek out bright with every facet of my being...
I turn on lights,
I light a fire to create a spark within to chase away the dim.
I yearn for and seek out colour
in my wardrobe
and more.
I dress in layers and wear cozy cashmere to keep the chill at bay.
Cashmere feels like a soft caress, a wooly hug that snuggles and blankets the skin.
A long scarf works well here as I like to wrap it twice to keep my neck warm...
my neck and feet are the most vulnerable to the damp and feel chilled if they are exposed.
Cashmere socks are wonderful
and I wear them all winter
and often on a very cold night I'll keep them on when I go to bed!
I indulge in baths filled with scented salts and warm water
I close my eyes and breath deeply.
I exfoliate my skin
I love the fresh feeling of softness
and then slather on a rich moisturizer
or I dab on an oil or serum for a "spa effect"
I leisurely peruse magazines while sipping a blended tea...
loose tea leaves add that little extra punch of flavour...
and a little goes a long way.
I like to window shop the sales
and look at new stock for spring and summer.
Taking in an art exhibit or a gallery showing.
Listening to music while actioning domestics
dressed in my Yoga gear
for ease of movement and comfort.
Sadly the Bungalow garden is rather dormant at this time of year
so the roses are asleep...their bushes bear rose hips.
I purchase flowers and bring some sunny cheer indoors...
Primulas are plentiful and very inexpensive
and can be planted outside in the garden after they have finished blooming.
I dig deep in the recipe box for comfort food recipes
a delicious way of nourishing ones self and ones soul.
The joy of preparing a simple meal and the anticipation of the taste
sustain and nurture my core.
Dinner of roasted veggies and a free range organic chicken with gravy
smells good while cooking and tastes even better from the plate!
Trying new recipes from cookbooks borrowed from friends or the library...
online sources are plentiful too.
I like to start the day with a warm breakfast
something with "staying power"
I top mine with a small amount of Canadian maple syrup.
Pay attention and add some colour to the everyday routines
a pretty cup and saucer for taking tea
makes it taste better
eye candy
goes a long long way.
I like to reread this book as I garner strength and wisdom through another woman's journey
her desperation and the solace she seeks
eloquently described using simple props from nature.
Anne Morrow Lindberg's A Gift From the Sea
if you haven't read it
please do...
Maintain and engage in friendships
a telephone call,
a walk
sharing a coffee
going to the cinema
shopping
connecting with others is paramount for ones health
friends enrich and elevate my days
and I am grateful for them.
Plan to bring some joy into your day
and get to know what makes you happy
Embrace, radiate and shine
spread light
so others can see.
If you are feeling blue, get outdoors for a walk
or volunteer your services at a local agency in your community
there are so many people in need.
What strategies do you employ to brighten and illuminate your days?
