Honoring Humanity In Everyday Life | About

For When the Sun Doesn’t Shine

There are days where getting out of bed is the last thing you want to do.

But it’s morning. It’s a new day. You should be excited. You should be thankful to be alive. You should be happy, happy, happy.

“Oh shut up and let me rejoice with my eyes closed.”

Bitter sleet raps upon the window pane
Lacking the grace and elegance of snow
And neither promising the life of rain
A tantrum of a winter yet to go

After much deliberation, you take off the blankets and sit up. Man! It’s freezing in here. Why do I live in this cold place? You stumble out of bed. I am so tired this morning. I don’t feel like doing anything today. Maybe a shower will help get you going.

Grasses gusting in a wind uncertain
A movement to and fro without release
Not even pausing every so often
To capture a fleeting moment of peace

You walk to a nearby coffee shop. Wind whips against your coat, forcing you to clench it even even tighter. You wonder if your mood imitates the miserable weather, or if nature just decided to commiserate with you? Probably the later.

Maybe a hot drink will put you in a better mood.

The city lies beneath a shroud of gray
Not quite the dark of restful hours of night
Nor joyous brightness of a sunny day
Everything is lit by a dreary light

You look out the window at a little dog tied to the fence outside. She sits waiting for her owner, who’s inside getting a cup of coffee. Despite her thick fur, she shivers from time to time. She gazes at the window in anticipation of her owner’s return.

Yet despite being cold and alone, she stays in place. She doesn’t pace back and forth. She doesn’t bark to get attention. She accepts her situation and waits.

***

Some days are just difficult. Sometimes you feel sad, frustrated, tired, or alone. Sometimes you lack strength and energy. Sometimes you deal with grief or loss.

When those days come – and they will – remember that it’s OK to feel bad. Accept it as reality. You don’t have to judge yourself. You don’t need to add the weight of how you’re “supposed” to feel.

***

While all around the wind bears forth its strife
Each person does their best to carry on with life

You turn your attention back to the dog outside. Her owner returns and unties the leash. The dog wags her tail as they continue their walk together.

Life goes on.

###