Here we go.......again....

This time of year arrives every year, and especially for me in the last 5 years with extra challenges.....and I am certainly not alone.....the world is feeling the winter crunch.....prices through the roof, and heating season upon us all......and well this winter has proved to be EXTRA indeed......somebody sharing with me yesterday that this entire month will find us in single digits at night, and bitter cold days.....and the irony is that winter calls us to hunker down.....to restore....rest.....the world taking a collective breather if you will.....at least by the laws of nature.....everything blanketed in snow, and stillness.....but my experience is that this time of year calls me to dig in, and get innovative, and do what I need to, to successfully endure the financial, and physical squeeze it is.....it was like the holidays were here a minute ago, with their twinkling lights, sunshine, spirits, and fun and then boom, deep winter lol:) Oppressing feeling for sure.......so I am honoring the squeeze I feel.....knowing it will be temporary.....spring will come, it always does:) And life gets easier for me as that approaches, in every way.....and yesterday had me realizing that I definitely need to come up with an alternative heat source for next year.....maybe a little wood stove in the other part of my house, something.....I will trust that the way will appear to the best way to accomplish that.....but my normal 60 degree thermostat is cold amid these temps.....even with the electric supplementation, but we have still been plenty warm, lots of tricks to make that happen:).....but my electric bill is up this month too, likely due to my Christmas extravaganza, which was worth it fully lol:) .....#sorrynotsorry :) It was worth every kilowatt lol:) But now it is time to pay the piper so to speak;-) And even though this time of year finds me every year in my single mom space, and challenges me every year, I am always surprised when it is here lol......and I have written this blog in some form every year at this time, since I have been on my own, I know that, but.......here we are y'all:) So this year, I am going to challenge my mindset around it all further.....use my energy to find creative ways to use my resources or make them go further.....my kids love soup, particularly my chicken soup.....a great way to make grocery money feel like it stretches right?? Those kinds of things.....and do not misunderstand....we are plenty ok:) But it is a time to look at, and make resources go further, I believe that....and also cozy in.....being fine with being home, by the fire in the fireplace......did I mention I gathered so much wood in my garage for that last storm that I am set;-) So I may as well enjoy:)....because as much squeeze that I feel at this time of year.....I also deeply love cozy.....and this is the coziest time of year indeed, and sitting by the fire in my fireplace is one of my favorite things to do.......so I am going to keep my calendar light.....and work to enjoy the things that are special surrounding this time of year....I have learned that mindset is everything.....harness the power of your mind....and well you win;-) so when my friend mentioned that February forecast.....I admit a part of me was like OH NO, stomach flipping a bit lol:) BUT....fighting what is is futile in every way.....acceptance is better effort, and using that energy to alchemize what is....I have a stack of books by my bed calling my name too.....this time of year is a great time to answer that call, l and that is my plan! I started another one this week....I will continue to exercise and move my body as that is so key for me.....and work on some other things, and goals I got circulating....but I am going to surrender to the stillness of this time of year.....and the squeeze;-) Knowing as with everything ......this too shall pass.......and it will make spring even that sweeter....like that first spring smell in your car window, window down, music blaring, fresh clean air pouring in.....sunglasses and a smile......yeah like that;-) Until then I will choose to see the beauty in this intense winter.....feeling blessed to be able bodied, and strong to face it all on my own, welcoming in the respite.....and maybe thinking a little that whoever is in charge of the weather lever, could ease up a little;-) Happy Wednesday! Stay safe:)