Motivation for midwinter and gloomy times

I need it so maybe you do too?

Greetings, February

Hello, friends. It’s February. And the recent weeks have been gloomy and dreary, both in the weather and world happenings.

I’ve been avoiding actually sitting with myself and my feelings lately because I know if I do, I’ll have to face the fact that I don’t feel great and I haven’t been doing much about it, which also doesn’t feel great.

It’s been a long time since I made a mood board, so I turned on my favorite resonance meditation music and opened up Pinterest to find images I’ve pinned in recent months that resonate right now. And whelp, nearly all the images I pulled up for my mood board turned out to be motivational words I’ve needed. So I don’t know, maybe you need them too? (I turned them into several mini collages instead of one board.)

“Get out of bed! Do things! Own your life!” | Goose | “It’s okay if it takes a little longer than you thought.”

“Everything can be a reminder you’re awake, present, and alive.” | “Listen to the birds not the news.” | Dots

Sketchbook } “You don’t have to belong everywhere.”

“Doing what’s best for you isn’t going to feel good every time.” | “Nothing changes if nothing changes.” | “Hey! It’s gonna be ok!! You are loved!”

“You will never be ready. Just start.” | Uncomfortable dog | “Change is uncomfortable but necessary”

“Oh man just do what you love” | Ceramic doggie | “The opposite of depression is not joy — it’s expression”

“You cannot live when you are untouchable. Life is vulnerability.” | Cuddly doggie

Not surprised that more dogs snuck their way in as time went on. :-)

How are you faring this midwinter? Did any of the words above strike a chord? What other words or hopes or joys are keeping you going right now?

• Making: After many craft store trips eyeing Woobles in passing but resisting, I finally caved and bought myself a Henri the Frog crochet kit. As a gal who works in education and has zero crochet experience, I’m genuinely impressed by the kit’s videos that teach you to crochet! I’m making slow but steady progress and I’m excited to get better at crocheting.

  

  Photo from Woobles

• Watching: Freddy and I watched all four hours of the Grammy’s on Sunday and honestly, it was worth it. We especially loved Chappell Roan’s iconic performance of “Pink Pony Club.” What a legend.

• Reading: Have you read A Gentleman in Moscow? Many people say it’s one of their favorite books ever. I’ve tried reading it two previous times and had a hard time getting into it, but I’m trying it again and hoping third time’s the charm! I do love a life-affirming read, which is very needed right now.

Sending love,