Placing myself under quasi-house arrest after Andy died proved to be a disaster for my mood management. I find myself short-tempered with frequent unforced errors with my kids.
When it comes to darkness — both inner and outer — my Nordic pals embrace their annual trip to the Dark Side.
Historically, the challenges of the Winter Equinox have proven useful. Somewhere across the winter, I get so pissed off with my funk that I resolve to get-something-done. I’ve written books, started companies and thrown down outstanding base training.
This year, with schools closed, a recurring feeling is “leave me alone and let me do my time”.
- <100 days away from having our teachers vaccinated
- <20 weekly house cleanings
- <5 months before I’m vaccinated
There’s a desire to push everything away, seek silence and grind.
When I get pissed off, I think about my Nordic friends. At their best, they laugh at the Dark Side and let the energy build for their return in the Spring. I’ve been trying to follow their example.
Last week, my wife was going through the roughest patch I’d seen since she successfully managed some postpartum depression in 2012, I made a sign…
Don’t Control => Feelings
Do Control => Actions
She bounced back by lunchtime.
I’ll repeat from a few weeks ago. Resiliency is a resolve to carry on, despite how we are feeling.
The two most resilient people I know are the two kindest.
Rather than seeking to understand the connection between kindness and strength, I’ve started following their lead.
The pictures are from a hike we did on Saturday. My son ticked the box on his goal of a Winter 14er, before winter officially started. If I’m honest then I didn’t enjoy the experience at the time. That said, I’m very happy looking at the pictures, and even happier that I can share them with you.
I couldn’t control my hike feelings (oh so tired), but I overcame my feelings, got out of the house and my son was happy.
Another positive step => Our oldest is an online education master. I let her know it, in front of the rest of the family.
Step by step => controlling my actions, having faith in a better tomorrow.
Sharing positive vibes, patting myself on the back when I carry on (despite my feelings)… those are lessons from my wife and son.
Telling the world about the challenges I face and living an open life, that’s a technique that dates back to the 90s.
I feel better already.
Feel The Byrn 
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