COMFORT IS WHERE YOU FIND IT

There's been a lot written about comfort food recently, even cookbooks dedicated to the taste of home, the flavors that remind us of childhood and calmer periods in our lives. Not so much is written about the sounds and smells and vistas that relax and nourish our spirits. Driving to work today I realized that one of the most comforting sounds to me is the sound of windshield wipers slapping. I'm the perfect Northwesterner, even though it took me many years to make that discovery. 21 years ago I caught a lucky break and discovered a place that wasn't dry & arid - someplace I could breathe clean air (well mostly) and not risk heat stroke by spending time outside in the garden. And the smells! In the greater NW we have less traffic, less exhaust, less factory olfactory output and thus we can really smell the flowers and scents of Spring. As a bonus we view pine, fir and all the deciduous trees and growth that make up our forests, and we enjoy a bountiful abundance of rivers, streams, mountains & coastline. I know, not everyone shares my pleasure when we have days on end of drenching rain and near-freezing nighttime temperatures, cold enough to keep us indoors but not quite cold enough to bring snow days. For those of you who prefer the dry arid beauty of the deserts, there are other places. For me, this place is splendiferous and I'm so grateful to be here. I'll continue to enjoy the weird weather which changes precipitously and confounds the computer models. And I'll continue to enjoy the sights and sounds and smells of the Greater Northwest, as I spend my days handling the books I love and talking to customers and friends about authors, while sipping on a latte. Not a bad place to be in life!

HOW TO HANDLE HOLIDAY STRESS (MAYBE)

I was just catching up on my email while I had a minute and decided to take a look at my medical provider's newletter, which I usually ignore. I found an article that looked interesting - tips for reducing holiday stress. Sounds appropriate - we all experience increased anxiety around the holidays, right?

I clicked on "more" (and then "more" again - apparently they weren't sure I really meant it the first time). Interesting.  They offer tools and I ALWAYS enjoy finding new tools. Should be good. "Follow these 4 strategies for improving your emotional wellness." Well, strategy is my life.  Let's read on.

The first of 4 strategies is "Make Mental Health a Priority in Your Life" Hmmm. Yes, I think that would definitely be advisable. "Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep."  Well I do eat, if not always well. Exercise? Does walking across the street at some point to confer with another business owner count? And sleep, ahhh, that elusive state - I never seem to get enough of that." Set aside time for yourself every day and do something you love - whether it's massage, yoga, hiking, or taking a warm bath." They go on to suggest  I sign up for individual classes they offer to deal with specific issues which cause stress. All good advice, but tell me, when would I fit all of this into a single day? Where does it go between operating and promoting a small business, attending all the requisite meetings and consultations that go with being on City Council and being an active part of my community? Oh, did I forget to mention I have a family I'd like to spend time with once in awhile?

 The second tool in the toolbox is "Communicate Clearly."
Indeed, that would save a lot of frustration in the long run. The writer goes on to suggest that you can avoid conflict and disappointment by being simple and specific, assertive and doing a better job of listening. I totally agree. And would like to add that if you wear a hearing aid, PLEASE TURN IT ON (I can definitely communicate better with you if we can hear each other). 

Number 3 on this list suggests I "Strive for Work-Life Balance: Make time for people and activities you love. Be sure to use your vacation time and let go of those things that don't matter in the long run." 
Well okey dokey. Guess we can move on here, as I clearly have no idea how to do ANY of this.What is a vacation? How do you know what will actually matter in the future? Rats! I need that crystal ball - again? 

And lastly, I'm directed to "Think Positively." OK, this I can do. I can definitely suspend reality and look at the rainbows and silver linings in life. That one is not just a mental health exercise but a life skill. I know all the appropriate adages: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade (but you'd better hope life gives you sugar as well, because just lemons and water are pretty darned sour). After the storm comes a calm (while you clean up the damage and wait for the power to be restore). A friend in need is a friend indeed (especially if you have a pick-up truck and he has furniture to move. Loose Lips Sink Ships (OK. I just threw that one in because I've always liked it. 
 And the moral of this story, kids, is that I need to go back to just deleting all of this wisdom that just points out all my inadequacies. Trying to apply all of these wonderful tools for reducing stress and doing all of this self-examination IS JUST TOO STRESSFUL!