What to do with winter? -- Down home with Melissa

Snow, rain, ice, cold, dreary… sound familiar? It’s January, so all of these things appear to be common. But just because it’s winter, life doesn’t have to be shabby.

It may be cold outside, but I think of winter as a reset. I do the things that I don’t get time to do when the weather is nice out.

I’ll share a few things that may help the winter blues.

First, do you enjoy cooking? Maybe you want to learn more about cooking.

Winter is soup season at my house. We have deer chili, vegetable beef soup, potato soup, cabbage soup and tomato soup. All are easy and comforting, they also last for a couple of days. There are many recipes out there to try… some are very simple. Find you a cookbook and experiment!

It’s cold outside, so inside, I like to declutter. My daughter has just gotten a booth at the vendors mall so we are cleaning house. Getting rid of things we don’t use anymore without having to try to store them somewhere.

That’s a good feeling. I like things neat and tidy, but my busy life makes that difficult. Winter makes me slow down. Cleaning as I declutter also feels rewarding. I am able to see a clean space when I’m finished.

Do you enjoy reading? I love a good bookstore and the library. Maybe it’s time to invest in a good book. Reading is knowledge. I read on my lunch breaks when I can. And I read at home when allowable. Reading resets my mind from reality to something else.

Ope… don’t forget to exercise! That is on my list but I haven’t got there yet. I do know that our best bodies are created in the winter to be ready for summer…. So I better get to it! Nothing crazy though- just to do my body better.

Do you need to have a checkup at the doctor? I know, it’s cold to have to get out. But I’d rather get my checkups out of the way so when it’s warm I can enjoy myself. Yes, even the dentist.

Maybe you’d like to redecorate. I’m thinking that I’m ready for that. Some new paint ideas perhaps?

And mentally? Stay connected with people. Don’t let the dreariest days get you down. Call a friend or family member if you’re feeling blue. Don’t fight loneliness alone. Call or message me even- we will talk through it.

I know winter can be gloomy. But it doesn’t have to be. God gives us this one life. Some days aren’t as great as others. But it doesn’t mean it’s the end. If you’re breathing, you have a purpose.

Winter won’t last long. Let’s make the best of it.

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”

— Edith Sitwell