Trying to Stay Content in the “D” When its Not Your Season by Chellyz View

It was Monday, November 11, 2019.  I don’t know why the situation that occurred appeared to be foreign.  I was a grown 40 plus aged woman who was birthed and raised in Detroit aka the “D.”  However, I wasn’t ready. There it was accumulating inch after inch. SNOW!!!!!!

Some people love and sing about, “Dreaming of a White Christmas” or “Let it Snow.”  It wasn’t December 21, 2019.  According to the calendar, winter wouldn’t be welcomed officially until that day.  Huh!  At least for those residing in colder climates.  Due to global warming anything is bound to happen.  Even the warmer states during the latter years of my life have been greeted with….that word?  SNOW!

I dread getting stuck in the snow every winter.  I am embarrassed to tell you on Thursday,  November 14, 2019 my car was temporarily stuck in an unplowed parking lot. I knew I shouldn’t have parked there, but I was in a rush. Thank you to the kind Samaritan who helped me maneuver out of a frustrating situation.  I don’t look forward to slipping and sliding on unsalted roads.  Oh yeah!  I think my tires are good for now until the potholes emerge.  Boots, scarves, hats, and gloves which I do love, always disappear from me.  Once the season is over, I have unmatched sets of gloves left in my vehicle or designated bin in my house.

Oh!  I was supposed to purchase a new winter coat.  My current coat is over nine years old with holes in each pocket.  Hey, I know I will find at least $5.00 in change, a stale piece of candy, and an old piece of tissue floating in the lining. I don’t know about you, but I am never prepared for this season.  Maybe, I am in denial every year about the coldness approaching.  However, just like clockwork, I know the seasons must change.

My question to you is how do you stay content when its so cold during this season?  Well, here are five ways I keep my heart happy during this time of the year:

Live to Give

That’s right give back.  Grab those old coats that are in decent condition and donate.  My children have outgrown several of their coats that can be donated to keep another child warm.  Also, donate items such as hats, gloves, scarves, and socks to a non-profit, school, homeless shelter or local charity.

Find a moment to Volunteer

Volunteering can make you happy! Believe it or not.  I enjoyed reading an article that was posted on a very conscious sister social media page.  It truly examines the importance of how giving can make us happy.   The article is entitled, “Happiness Comes from Giving and Helping, Not Buying and Having.”  Read the article for yourself: https://wakeup-world.com/2015/01/21/happiness-comes-from-giving-and-helping-not-buying-and-having/?fbclid=IwAR3yB8hhJTwY3EhHwcVprNrDAYtekGMKK739h97FtSniZi1oLCND3jO8weo

Also, I am looking forward to volunteering this holiday season.  I have been blessed to cross paths with a group of selfless sisters who are spearheading a volunteer venture.  If you have a few moments to hit that like button or scroll through the social media news feed, then schedule the time to unselfishly make a social impact.  Check out the website: https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/index.jsp?l=DETROIT%2C+MI%2C+USA  There are plenty of opportunities waiting for you to volunteer.

Talk on the phone

Wait a minute!!!!!  You mean you can use the phone for dialing to speak to someone. That’s right!  I am guilty!  I prefer texting any day.  However, somebody would love to hear your voice especially those who are home bound. You remember the lyrics by the Legendary Mr. Wonder?  “I just called to say, I love You.”  Tell someone and mean it from the bottom of your heart!

Escape the Cold

Yep!  We can escape the cold by reading.  Find a good magazine or book that will allow you to travel to another dimension.  Block out everything around you and have an exciting time vacationing without spending the cash.  If you prefer, there’s always audio.  Let someone read to you while you close your eyes and imagine going far away from the harsh elements of the cold.  Don’t know of any good books? Check out an inspiring sister  social media page who loves books and has a substantial amount of recommendations: I Aspire Books @ www.facebook.com/groups/iaspirebooks/

Gratitude can change our Attitude

Some of us can become scrooges at this time of the year.  We work overtime to overspend.  We become stressed about what we can or cannot purchase during this season. Remember there is more to life than giving gifts we may not be able to afford.  That’s a whole post I can testify and write about on another day.  Instead, capture the gift of gratitude and share it with others by simply saying encouraging words or speaking thoughts of positivity to someone who needs an ounce of hope.

This season may bring some of you down.  You might suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which usually triggers depression during the colder months. The cold weather might not agree with your bones and causes you to fight a little more to keep moving due to aches and pains.  Or you might be like myself and not a fond lover of the colder season.  As you are going through the motions pause for a few seconds.  Try to generate a helpful list that will aid you in surviving the movement of brisk air and visitation of snowflakes abruptly causing havoc in the “D.”  Be mindful of what keeps your soul warm during this time of year.  Always seek professional help when self-therapy isn’t enough. Share with me how you cope during these cold and dark months and start A Heart Full of Conversations!

www.facebook.com/groups/iaspirebooks/

https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/index.jsp?l=DETROIT%2C+MI%2C+USA