I’m putting a twist on my weekly(ish) “5 on Friday” post this week and participating with the Modern Mrs. Darcy community in posting about what’s saving my life right now. This is an annual post she does at the mid-point of winter.
The idea for this comes from the memoir by Barbara Brown Taylor, Leaving Church. Taylor was speaking at an event and the host simply asked her to tell what was saving her life right now. I love this concept! We all know what is killing us, but it takes a little more thought to pin point the things that are saving us, especially in hard moments.
I struggle with winter and being in Germany where it is super cold–much colder than I would prefer–and the skies are eternally dark and grey, makes that struggle even more prominent.
This winter has had the added stress of our upcoming move…we’re waiting on orders from the Army, making a lot of tentative plans, and searching for a home in El Paso. We’ve made offers on two homes that have not been accepted–this comes with a roller coaster of stress.
But in the middle of all of this winter hum-drums and moving stress, there have been things that are saving my life. In addition to my faith, my time reading the Word, and spending time with my family, I’m sharing FIVE things today that are saving my life this winter.
//one// Yoga
Having a regular Yoga practice has given me the ability to move my body throughout the cold winter season. I crave movement, but the cold weather is a real hinderance to my getting outside and walking. I COULD do it, but I just don’t want to. I have learned to practice yoga in a way that meets my body’s specific needs each day. If I’m feeling low energy and want something relaxing and not too challenging, I practice gentle yoga or yin. If I’m looking for a more cardio workout and/or to challenge myself, I do a full practice with upbeat music. I use the Down Dog app on my iPad for my personal yoga practice. I also taught two yin yoga classes this month and that was a special treat that brought a little extra joy!!
//two// Reading
Reading will probably make every list that I ever make of what’s saving me. It is my most beloved hobby and the way that I love spending any free moment that I may have. I posted yesterday about the books I read in January of this year. I love learning new things through non-fiction books and getting lost in the writing of a good novel. Doing those things have helped me to escape the hardness of winter and stress of home buying and relocating.
//three// Wiesbaden Community Spouses’ Club Events
One of the very first things I did upon moving here to Germany was join our local spouses’ club. I was an active member last year, attending some events and monthly luncheons–but throughout the winter I hibernated and didn’t attend any event in January or February. I thought I would do the same thing this year, but that changed when I was feeling lonely in the beginning of January and decided to start venturing out more. It helps that I serve on the board this year as the Membership Chair and feel somewhat obligated to at least attend our monthly luncheon. But in addition to that, I also went to dinner out at a schnitzel restaurant, Schnitzel Queen, and attended a high tea–complete with dressing up and wearing a fascinator. These events were just what I needed to get out of my comfort zone just a bit and find friendship among my people! But, they’re also not TOO much and don’t demand a lot from me. In February I am looking forward to a wine tour and brunch out at a favorite restaurant in addition to our Mardi Gras themed luncheon.
//four// Raffaeles Resaturant
Speaking of restaurants, going to eat at Raffaeles Restaurante with Keith on Sunday afternoons is definitely saving my life. We try to make reservations for Sunday afternoon every other week and I would eat here weekly if I wasn’t trying to also watch my finances closely. Raffaeles is an Italian restaurant in our nearby village of Sonnenburg. We’re able to talk there and back from our apartment. The food is excellent and so delicious–so much so that I don’t know how I’ll eat Italian anywhere else when we return to the States. But, my favorite thing about Raffaeles is that it feels like home and I am treated like a local. After visiting there a few times, the staff go to know us and they recognize me when I call to make reservations. We’ve even gotten to know some of the other regulars. We typically walk in and the waiters and servers all greet me with a joyful, “MONICA!” I cannot tell you how happy that treatment makes me–I honestly feel like Norm walking into Cheers.
//five// Making Travel Plans
I have one big trip left before we leave Germany and possibly a couple of small trips in the spring that I’m looking forward to. In March I’m taking Jenny to Venice. This week I booked concert tickets to hear The Four Seasons at Vivaldi’s Church while we’re there. I also booked a day trip to three small islands during our last day in Venice. Making these plans has brought a little life and some excitement to my dreary winter days. Our spouses club is planning short bus trips to visit Keukenhof in the Netherlands and Champagne, France in the spring. These are both places I’ve wanted to visit, so I am hoping to join in on these trips. In addition to these last European adventures, I am hoping to make a trip to El Paso in late April if we have a house secured by then. Having these travel plans to look forward to is definitely saving my life!
Do you struggle with the winter season as I do? What do you do that saves your life in these times?