“We have 4 seasons, we just don’t know which order we get them”

One of the greatest weather comments was the one above, said to me once by a Lund’s employee that helped me with my groceries. Our Minnesota weather makes for good conversations. We abhor it, dread it, anticipate it, glory in it and prepare for it with both great enthusiasm and resilience. We remember the “big ones” The floods, the snowstorms, the above 100 degree weather etc etc etc.

Weather can have bearing on our moods, energy level, appetite (over or under) , sleep cycles and interest in usually enjoyed activities (anhedonia)Those who are managing mood disorders might notice shifts depending on the seasons.

My reason for writing about our weather is that I have seen many of my clients already negatively anticipating what is inevitable.  Weather isn’t fixed, it is fluid and changeable, at least ours can be. To dread the fall, or winter because of what it “might be” means we lose the little moments of joy that come with change. The first burst of color in the trees, the first crisp snap of the fall apples, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the coolness of the morning air, the first snowfall, the angel in the snow you used to make as a child and you now make with your children or grandchildren,

I  have lived in other places than Minnesota.Winnipeg ,Manitoba taught me the value of a good engine heater. Vancouver, British Columbia was beautiful but there were many many days of different forms of rain. Wichita had dust storms, and early heat. Pittsburgh could be gray, rainy and dreary throughout much of the winter. Planning, not dreading became an important tool to develop in each place I lived.

Resilience, a sense of humor, access to good books, a cherished soup recipe, a large Netflix queue can help. Also,friends and family on speed dial.

An ice scraper wouldn’t hurt either.