I haven't posted in a while, but I'm still walking daily; as much as the crazy winter-spring weather will allow. Stormy weather and extreme cold, back-to-back this week, teamed up to keep me indoors some. I may be investing in a walking pad for those days so I don't lose momentum.
In my last post, there was snow on the ground. We only got the one snow this year, sadly. It's long gone, of course. I think it was mostly gone when I posted in mid-February.
The creek finally got replenished with all the spring rains we've been having. I'll post a video of it that I took the day after the first big rain a couple of weeks ago. It was back to being a real babbling brook. I love the sound of it. Somehow it perks me up and brings me joy.
As I've said before, I'm all about the joy. I try to immerse myself in things that bring me joy; books I love, good music, flowers, and just a good walk in nature. Of course, I also try to hang around people that bring me joy, like my family and friends. These are all helping me a lot lately to rise above the dark days when they come, which are happening not nearly as often as in years past. Focusing on the good and the joy that is around me is so important for my mental health.
Anxiety tries to invade, with the thunderstorms and threats of tornadoes that are prevalent in this season, but I pray scripture out loud (don't laugh; it works!) on stormy days and I distract myself with a good movie or book to take my mind off it.
Another thing that helps me lately is being thankful for the blessings in my life. I'm thankful for my family and friends, of course. I'm also thankful for little things, too, like my weekly sugar-free caramel macchiato over ice, beautiful sunsets, and babbling brooks.
If you really look, you'll see something to be thankful for.
Hope this brought someone some encouragement. Until next time, blessings, friends.
"The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." Psalm 28:7 NLT
*PS. The above scripture is a good one to pray during storms. God IS my strength and shield in storms.
