March On!

Is it still Winter? Isn't Spring here yet? This morning I woke to a white world, yet word on the street is that tomorrow, it will be 50 degrees outside. Green shoots have pushed through the earth and in some spots, delicate blossoms have appeared . . . now hidden under the snow, poor things.

But like I said, tomorrow it will be warm and the snow will melt and the blossoms will perk back up and the green shoots will sprout taller. And next week we’ll have more snow, or torrential rains, or a sunny spell. Who knows; it’s March.

March is a time of transition. As the weather outside moves from one extreme to the next, it is a good idea to watch your own, internal weather. Is there a crabby front moving in from the south? Do you forecast a sunny disposition for the weekend? Having your emotions run up, down and around for no reason you can discern can be dizzying, not to mention annoying (to you and to your friends and loved ones!). Here are some things you can use in an attempt to bring yourself some internal fair weather.

Sit and breathe. (Yes, I mean meditate, but that word scares people. Sitting and breathing sounds easier and accomplishes the same goal.)

Watch what you eat. (Sorry, no “comfort food”. We use that term to rationalize our desire for vast quantities of fat, salt and carbs all on one plate. Think about past comfort meals; I bet you felt “comforted” while you were munching, but about an hour later you felt heavy, cranky, and tired. Be honest. Make soup.)

Take a stroll. (Put on your boots if you have to, but don’t make it about exercise. Just meander around outside.)

Exercise. (Try yoga!)

Read a book, watch a movie, get a pedicure. (Paint a picture, listen to music, write a story. Pet your dog, change your sheets, visit a friend. Roast a chicken, dance in your kitchen, balance on one foot.)

Be compassionate. (To yourself first! The kinder you are to yourself, the more forgiving of your own ups and downs, the better you can share that kindness and forgiveness with others.)

There’s no need to beware the Ides of March! You’ve got it all under control.