It’s January and the holidays have past. How can that be? It seems like they came and went in the blink of an eye. So much anticipation, planning, gift buying, tree trimming, celebrating (I could go on and on) and boom, here we are.
Though it’s all over, there is something about winter. I don’t like the lack of sunlight, but I do love the quiet. It’s just yes, quieter. As I write this it is snowing and the plow truck has been going up and down my lane all evening, scraping the snow from the road.
When the temperature is above freezing, I love to go outside and pick up sticks. I have the luxury of making a small backyard fire whenever I wish. The smell is so good and Jordan, my trusty lab, loves to sit close. At age thirteen now, I think she warms her bones.
I am keeping my bird feeder filled up as best I can. There are three squirrels at least that are stealing the seed, hanging upside down acrobat style, and getting whatever they can out of the small holes. Sometimes I bang hard on my window and they go running off like the caught bandits they are. Other times, I let it go, thinking they need to eat too. As long as the other birds keep coming (and they do), I’m ok with it.
I’ve been writing, cleaning, lounging, hibernating, staying in touch with friends, and generally doing the best I can to do nothing. Honestly, that’s the truth. I turned 61 in November and I can feel the tide changing. I’m no longer as motivated to push myself. It’s too much work and for a person who has pushed herself forever, I am working at just being. It’s not easy.
So I start with hibernating. I leave my jammies on a little extra longer in the morning. I don’t try and cram my schedule full of stuff to do. If I don’t feel like cooking much, Jim and I eat grilled cheese sandwiches. I pick and choose what I want to participate in.
I am not rich. But I am beyond wealthy when it comes to friends, family, and my spiritual life. I was surrounded by my close family, cousins, children, and grandchildren over the holidays. So many of my friends do not live by their children or grands. Blessed is how I describe it.
Over the years, I have worked at being fully engaged. In my home, I do my best to invite, cook, decorate, and be of assistance. Someday it will be my children’s turn to do this. I am already feeling it will be bittersweet. Though I look forward to it, I know I will let go slowly. I will offer to help, to bring something, and supply grocery gift cards when needed.
And I’ll do my best to cherish and enjoy every moment.
- āSo now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.ā ā 1 Corinthians 13:13
That was very heart warming! I am lucky to have my grand children live with me, so I see them every day. My oldest son is clean and sober for the first time in many years and I am thankful to have him home. Daniel & Heather went on a cruise for Christmas, so they were missing this year. The rest of my family is so far away that this year was really depressing for me. I miss everyone back home and those I have lost. I am really glad this holiday is over and I hope next year is better! Our weather has been mild, so I have not been cooped up inside and can still take my daily walks! I know that need for quiet, so I get up extra early to have my quiet time before the kids get up for school. Cameron is in high school and leaves at 6:10, so I get up at 4:40 just to have my coffee and shower before I deal with waking kids!
Enjoy your hibernation time!
Hi Cathy! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I know you are so busy so it is important to take the time to rest and center ourselves. (Especially as we get older!!) Glad you are getting up before everyone else for some ME time.
I miss those who have passed as well. We try and remember them in our prayers. xoxo Joanne
Down time is sure hard to carve out…
It sure is. For me, it gets easier as I get older. I just don’t want to push so hard anymore. Good to hear from you! xoxo
Absolutely beautiful writing. Reading your words, imagining your scenes, and the things you do with gratitude love and grace….it lowers my blood pressure, and invites a deep breath. Thank you for this today. I think of you ALL the time! xoxo
Happy New Year my friend! It is so good to hear from you! Thank you so much for joining me today on my quiet journey. Always love seeing your smiling profile picture. xoxo Joanne
It’s good to hear that you are hibernating and generally taking time to be where you feel comfortable and at ease. For everything there is a season. š
So true. I hope you are enjoying the weather in your neck of the woods. I love the flower pictures you are sharing on Instagram. Xoxo
Blissful weather, today, Joanne.
Hi Joanne, I enjoyed reading your words today. We should all take note. The season is reminding us to rest, rejuvenate and relax. It sounds as though you are doing just that.
Thanks for sharing.
Peace & a big ol hug,
Daleen