Selfcare and winter wellbeing conversations
Sharing ideas for keeping Coorie in Winter and keeping our invincible summers alive
The conversations we have with each other can have a big impact on how we are feeling, if we are all focusing on the challenges and not exploring solutions this can leave us feeling exhausted. This does not mean there are not challenges, just what we lock into does have a huge impact on what we may do next, think or feel. The video in this link may be of interest https://www.copescotland.com/resources/introduction-to-the-reticular-activating-system It is about the reticular activating system what we lock into. Now it’s there to keep us safe, so it will scope for threats and yes, we only need to watch the news to be reminded of challenges in the world. However, if all we lock into are threats we can also miss what is good and the opportunities that may present themselves.
It can be challenging when supporting others who are experiencing challenges and hardships as we are being reminded the world can be a cruel and unfair place. However, if we are not to be overwhelmed by the pain that is in the world, it matters we also look for the good, as it is still there, may be harder to find, but it is there.
Winter can bring its own challenges to those we support as well as our own families and friends. Many people just now are finding things a bit challenging. This is where what we share and discuss with each other matters. We can lock into what is wrong, however, that can leave us feeling deflated and demotivated, at a time of year when our energy is already maybe a bit low. Instead why not find ways to share ideas which uplift and bring hope. Here is one starter for a conversation which may be of interest to share ideas on staying Coorie in winter and also keeping our invincible summers alive.
The nights are fair, drawing in as they say. Many of us at this time of year can feel like we want to hibernate, we get up in the morning for work or to get the kids ready for school etc and it’s dark and by the time we finish work hey, it’s getting dark again! However, this time of year also brings its charms (yes I know it’s cold and wet), but hey our reservoirs need topped up so rain is good, and there is a beauty autumn has with all the colours on the leaves changing to lovey reds and golds and while yes the festive season may be a stressor if we think about the financial cost of things, it can also be a time for reconnecting with each other, being kind, thinking about what would make someone else smile.
We know money can create challenges at this time of year; this was one of the reasons we created the ‘Coorie’ video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl6-JIDiojQ I have rediscovered porridge and I must admit, I really look forward to a bowl for my breakfast. Maybe it’s this time of year you think about something hearty to get you started in the morning. Its amazing also how cheaply a bowl of hearty home made soup can be e.g. this budget buster lentil soup https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/foods-and-recipes/budget-buster-lentil-soup and lentils can be used for so many things e.g. https://thestingyvegan.com/red-lentil-curry/ And lentils and porridge can also good for many of us! (of course anyone who has special dietary needs would be advised to seek advice on what may work for them)
It can be hard to keep the home warm in winter, this is where the Coorie can help too, snuggling up in a blanket, wearing layers and if money is really tight keeping one room warm. This piece from the British Heart Foundation may be of interest https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/beat-the-cold/keeping-warm
We were involved in a couple of conversations recently with communities In rural and urban areas around the essentials for life, and while food and heat were important, the things people shared were most important were friends, family, connections in the community, kindness, respecting each other and feeling valued. Yes, money may be tight, and we may find we are still running this marathon since the lockdown many years ago, but, if we can look out for each other, spread a little happiness along the way then the warmth of human kindness may help sustain us till the sun comes back again. We each have in us an invincible summer and together we can help build that kinder fairer world we know we need to see, because we care, people, care, I care and you do matter.
Thanks for reading, why not keep the conversation going and share ideas you have for wellbeing in winter and keeping the flame of hope alive
Hilda:-)
In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.
In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile.
In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm.
I realized, through it all, that…
In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.
Albert Camus”