I struggle with the winter season where the days are shorter and gets darker in the evenings.
Unfortunately I went back to my old habit of signing up for interpals (supposed to be a free pen pal site);
My next group meeting is the 15th December where we have the annual Christmas meal. Two course meal, gifts and refreshments.
Several mistakes: should be a membership fee like £10 August to june ( break in july); they need to accommodate people who work shifts and more communication. Running out of ideas.
Pros its a good group where I meet people to chat with a cup of tea and a biscuit. Also get on with the task.
The reason I go: the organiser asked me whats happening with the library and wasn't sure. Basically invited me to the group.
Also I'm trying to go to more church events e.g. songs of praise with tea and cake (not the television version);
What most frustrating thing: explaining to people several times what I'm doing these days and a few days later they ask me again.
Some people don't understand what I'd been through. Also some people don't understand how much I do.
Occasionally I deliver the community magazines to 10 address. Luckily i'm on the backup list.
This time of the year is difficult for me as painful memories.
How do you get through the winter months? I enjoy reading, photography, lego, puzzle books, colouring books and art and crafts.
Library is only open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Pity not opening on Saturdays.
Looking forward collecting my Library book.
I still go to the library exchange at the telephone box. Trying to build up a good collection when the weather turns cold. Quite picky what to choose.
I used to be very nervous around dogs too. Having had them as part of the family for over 30 years now I am better about them. Once I got to understand and somewhat predict their behaviour - or perhaps more relevantly predict what and how their owner is able to do to influence their behaviour. :-) Unfortunately when our current 2 bark when someone comes to the door it still puts me on edge. Worth it for the love and affection they share tho'.
Thanks for asking, I make models of aeroplanes - a cup of tea, a good podcast and the smell of glue fumes and paint thinners and I m normally "in the zone".
Your list of crafts is a good one. Having something "constructive" to do that keeps the mind and the hands busy is very therapeutic would you agree?
You might find walking groups locally if you are ok to do so and walking and talking with people often somehow goes together?
That sounds a good idea but I get nervous around dogs especially off the lead/leash. When I go out for a walk people say good morning to me and ask me if I'm OK.
Limited myself to go out once a day.
Making loads of bookmarks for telephone box library book exchange. Going to put on the label please take a bookmark and return. I'm not responsible for it but helping with the community. What models do you make?
I make models during the winter - often using a bright light which maybe offsets the SAD thing a bit.
Exercise gets a bit harder to do as I don't do as much outside (gardenine etc.) - so I do some indoors (yoga or similar) and make myself go for longer walks when the weather is brighter and I am free during the daytime to match. I don't mind the cold under these circumstances as the walking warms me up.
You might find walking groups locally if you are ok to do so and walking and talking with people often somehow goes together?
Hehe you might take a flask of tea and some biscuits to share with you :-)
I've got a puzzle annual Christmas special. Mixed puzzles for all ages! My limit is to do one, finish and can always do another one. Trying to take screen breaks and not to doomscroll.
With you liking books so much, have you ever thought about a small book group? Even just a quiet one at a local café.
Unfortunately the local book group is expensive which is £90 per year. Also you get a reading list. Maybe a local book club to discuss recommendations for books. I enjoy reading young adults books.
Or a gentle walking group, especially on the brighter winter days
That sounds a good idea but I get nervous around dogs especially off the lead/leash. When I go out for a walk people say good morning to me and ask me if I'm OK.
The community forum is a safe place for me. Reason I'd joined this as had problems with postal pen pals. Now gained 2 new friends from the forum and we chat on Facebook.
With you liking books so much, have you ever thought about a small book group? Even just a quiet one at a local café.
Or a gentle walking group, especially on the brighter winter days, that helps me sometimes.
The Christmas meal sounds like something to look forward to, and it’s good you’ve got a group where you can just sit with a cuppa and be yourself.
This time of year can be tough for lots of reasons and I think we need maybe to lean on each other a bit more to get through. I'm just starting to try to do that, to let people in a bit.
