Pockets of Happiness
Earlier this week I had the chance to walk around outside with my camera to document the snow before the rain arrived and washed it all away. Winter holds a special place in my heart, I love it so but signs of spring are arriving and my, that feels refreshing! Each day more birds are singing and the sun when it is shining feels so nice on my face. There's been a little bit of a warm up every day and later tonight some snow is forecasted. All good.
Last week, my stress levels were higher than usual worrying about various things that quickly were resolved by the end of the week. My daily walks have been hit and miss since Christmas, mainly due to the weather or darkness or bear fear (has he left? dare I hope?).
Frodo and I walked with balmy temperatures in the mid thirties. He was thrilled to be sniffing the neighborhood and I thought all about the pockets of happiness I enjoy that makes life wonderful. Being in the moment on my walk, feeling the breeze and sunshine. Being grateful for the woolen hat I grabbed at the last minute. I was stress free, content and happy.
I want to bottle up all those positive feelings and have them on reserve for those stressful days when I cannot let go of an imminent threat conjured up by my imagination. I'm getting better at dismissing those worries. I've said before that whatever I imagine never comes true. I'm blindsided by the unforeseen! So why do I waste time on 'what ifs'?
The age old question.
Daily I write what I'm thankful for in my journal, this practice resets my attitude and my perceptions. Going for a walk outside clears the cobwebs out of my mind, tires me out physically and gives me peace of mind.
I love winter, but I am looking forward to longer days, nicer walking weather, birds singing and sunshine on my face.
these are beautiful moments....
ReplyDeletehere i look every morning to darker skies even if it is mere minutes.. but autumn has already (ever so slightly) begun.
I was thrilled to get out for a walk yesterday and enjoy the warmth and birdsong, but I'm also happy to stay inside today on a rainy day and get some neglected things done. It looks like we'll be getting a reminder that it's still winter with quite a bit of snow tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteI admit this particular week of winter has been a bit tough. Despite the wonderful Olympics in the evening, I sense my husband is ready for spring...and it is not on the horizon. Next year we need to plan two get aways. We finally took the Christmas lights down yesterday, so there is a step right?
ReplyDeletePockets of happiness are always good...and great to store away to remember when needed. I am longing to get back to walking...soon I'll be able to.
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed how alike we are, Karen. How I wish we were neighbors! ��. For some reason I worry more in the winter, probably because of the grayer days and longer nights. I welcome the warm spells we’ve been having when I can get out for a walk! ❤️
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful, beautiful post, Karen. I love all the seasons... I think we need the changes... makes us appreciate each one for their unique gifts. And, yes, the question is age old... but, we just keep pondering it. ;) Loved this. Take care and watch for the bear. blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteI seem to be looking towards warmer weather too, but normally don't mind the cold. Rain or shine I can sit at my sewing machine and watch the world outside my window. Life is good!
ReplyDeleteOh Karen, I conjuer up things too...things that never happen. I need to work on dismissing those thoughts as soon as they pop up and think on things that are pleasant. I'm looking forward to spring. I took a walk around our backyard the other day and have found some exciting signs of spring being just around the corner...or so I hope. :)
ReplyDeleteSpring is in the air Karen, there are signs all around despite the weather forecast predicting more snow and winds for next week.
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful moments to look back at when you feel worried. I have a friend who is into a therapy that claims you need to find that one memory that brings down your heartrate. Then she teaches you to bring that memory up when you need it to handle stress and anxiety. I guess she is onto something here, though I haven't really followed her courses (yet).
ReplyDeleteA walk in nature is also my way of finding peace and calm. Thank you for reminding me that longer, sunnier days are ahead.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen our bear in about 2 years, yet I'm still terrified every time I take the trash out after dark. And yet, I completely ignore the things I should worry about, things like that weird bump on my arm, how we're going to pay for next semester's college tuition, the fact we're all running out of clean clothes.... That all gets blissfully ignored. But it's all good. Spring is right around the corner, just on the other side of tonight's ice storm. Gosh - what if the power goes out & I can't see to knit? What if I run out of yarn before the roads are passable....? Don't you just love being a worrier?? :)
ReplyDeleteThis is an inspiring post Karen. I have to admit that I've been hibernating inside most of the time lately, not because of fear of bears (thank goodness!) but just because I like warm and cosy right now. But your post makes me want to go out for more fresh air, and take some photos of my own - yours are beautiful. I hope you are enjoying your weekend. x
ReplyDeleteA walk outside is always a good reset for me. And the noting of gratitude, too. xo
ReplyDeleteYou know I'm winter lover...but like you, I'll welcome the spring days and milder temps for longer walks!
Daily walks are wonderful aren't they and oh yes bottling up the positive stressed free times to be used when stressed or anxious would be fantastic. For me I love this time of the year as you can see the Spring awakening around us.
ReplyDeleteI try to think of something I'm grateful for every day. I should record them down, LOL. You are a sweetheart and such a gracious lady. I understand about getting stressed out about things. I'm a worrier at time and even over silly, little things.
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