Winters can be long. Sometimes really long. There’s comes a time when most Northerners are just done with the shortage of daylight and the inconvenience of wintery weather.
Those who can, head out for warmer and sunnier climates. Others huddle by sun lamps. Most get more grumpy.
More often than not, the top two photos represent the norm. Cloudy, snowy, icy.
However, once in a while one is treated to a majestic sight. How lovely it was to soak in the beauty of this recent February sunset where the icy snow reflected the warm spectrum of colors. My meager photographic effort did not begin to capture the marvelous intensity of color. It was transplendent. I was grateful that I was able to experience it.
This moment reminded me of an effective means of reducing the winter blahs. Instead of donning the mantle of Cold Weather Victim, I may choose to adopt the Attitude of Gratitude. In addition to lifting my spirits, it is much cheaper than a Caribbean cruise.
I invite you to take a few minutes each day. Reflect on your life. Review all of the people, things, circumstances for which you are grateful.
To get your own gratitude thoughts rolling, here is a sample portion of my list:
- My health is fairly good – I’m usually upright and not on life support.
- I currently reside in a place with working heat and plumbing.
- I eat at least 3 meals a day.
- I have loved ones.
- Hot showers & herbal soap.
- Snow plows.
- Bird feeders and colorful birds.
- Internet access.
- Warm and comfortable bed.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Pets.
- An abundance of quilting fabric.
- Joy readers.
It’s best to write this down. Every so often, go back and review your lists.
Gratitude works. The practice of gratitude redirects the mindset from victimhood to abundance. Gratitude supports joy.
You do have the ability to mitigate the winter doldrums. You have the choice not to be the Cold Winter Victim. Take appropriate steps to deal with your physical responses to reduction of sunlight, pop a daily Vitamin D supplement and practice Gratitude.
And with apologies to The Game of Thrones – please remember that in The Game of Joy, summer is coming.
