Earlier this week, I hit the winter slump. The moment when it just feels so dreary, you wonder if it will ever be spring again. We'd had a few pretty days, and of course our weather is nothing like it is farther north, but I think the winter slump is about more than the weather. It's a mindset that creeps in slowly, and dulls your senses to all things vibrant.
Tuesday was a struggle. I felt like February had taken me as its victim, and I didn't like it one bit. I didn't like feeling gray and dull. As with all difficult times, it wasn't one grand event that turned things around. It was a combination of the little moments.
Wednesday, relief came in the form of two precious little girls that I babysit. They're 4 and 2, so there's never a shortage of fun and cute there. It was sunny and not freezing, so the girls decided it was necessary to put on their swimsuits, get towels, and lay out in the backyard. I protested at first, but then gave in, assuming they'd get cold in five minutes... it lasted two hours. It was a precious reminder that it's my mindset, not the weather, that dictates my happiness.
Thursday, it was Helios. The Fray's new album isn't out until next week, but it started streaming on iTunes a week earlier. After listening to the album in its entirety about 97 times, I have decided that the Fray simply can't disappoint. Their last two albums have come out in February-- it's like they know I need a little happy this time of year! The whole thing is incredible, but this is my favorite:
like, dang, I don't know if I'll ever get married, but now I have to because THIS SONG. it wrecks me.
Yesterday, it was baseball. FINALLY. I am still not an Auburn fan, but I don't even care when it comes to baseball because it doesn't matter who's playing– I just love it, always and forever.
Choosing to appreciate the sunny days (and fight against the gray days) is so important this time of year. For now, I'm trying to find a balance between anticipating the future and being thankful for the present.
Living vicariously through MLB Spring Training videos doesn't hurt, either.
Tuesday was a struggle. I felt like February had taken me as its victim, and I didn't like it one bit. I didn't like feeling gray and dull. As with all difficult times, it wasn't one grand event that turned things around. It was a combination of the little moments.
Wednesday, relief came in the form of two precious little girls that I babysit. They're 4 and 2, so there's never a shortage of fun and cute there. It was sunny and not freezing, so the girls decided it was necessary to put on their swimsuits, get towels, and lay out in the backyard. I protested at first, but then gave in, assuming they'd get cold in five minutes... it lasted two hours. It was a precious reminder that it's my mindset, not the weather, that dictates my happiness.
Thursday, it was Helios. The Fray's new album isn't out until next week, but it started streaming on iTunes a week earlier. After listening to the album in its entirety about 97 times, I have decided that the Fray simply can't disappoint. Their last two albums have come out in February-- it's like they know I need a little happy this time of year! The whole thing is incredible, but this is my favorite:
like, dang, I don't know if I'll ever get married, but now I have to because THIS SONG. it wrecks me.
Yesterday, it was baseball. FINALLY. I am still not an Auburn fan, but I don't even care when it comes to baseball because it doesn't matter who's playing– I just love it, always and forever.
Choosing to appreciate the sunny days (and fight against the gray days) is so important this time of year. For now, I'm trying to find a balance between anticipating the future and being thankful for the present.
Living vicariously through MLB Spring Training videos doesn't hurt, either.