As I write this, it’s sunny in LA. I would add “obviously” except that LA has received more rain than Seattle this year, 194% of normal.
All this rain is great for LA – not only for the wildflowers that are on their way, but to replenish the reservoirs, reduce drought, water crops, and prevent wildfires. Rain is amazing!
At the same time, Angelenos are all so used to being outside that we don’t know what to do with ourselves when it rains. Plans get canceled, worn out board games are trotted out, and people opt for online worship instead of coming in-person.
I went to a meeting this weekend that opened with these words, “Thank you to everyone for coming out and braving the weather of a light drizzle in Los Angeles.”
Not an exaggeration.
I am deeply affected by the weather. When I lived in darker, snowier climes, I used a SAD lamp that’s intended to mimic sunlight. When I left Upstate NY for LA, I traded it in for polarized sunglasses and a powerful SPF and never looked back.
Yet, rainy days still throw me. It usually takes a few hours for me to recognize my low energy, and subdued mood. I honestly don’t want to admit that the weather gets me down. With so much sunshine here, I feel like I have no right to complain. Plus, somehow it feels childish, like I should be able to just tough it out or buck up since I’ve lived through worse and, again, it’s almost always sunny here.
Instead, these last few days I’ve given myself permission to feel the way I feel. If I’m down, it’s ok to be down whether it’s due to a poor night’s sleep, stress, or the weather. I don’t even have to know the reason. I don’t have to figure everything out. That doesn’t actually help.
What does help is:
-Noticing my feelings
-Taking a deep breath
-Slowing down, either taking things off my list or literally moving my body more slowly
-Accepting my energy level for the day
-Deciding what won’t get done
-Doing one thing at a time
I also practice gratitude for the rain, which we really do need for all the reasons above. And maybe I need it, too.
What helps you when the gloom takes over? Do you notice a connection between your mood and the weather? Or something else?
Thank you for reading Almost Named Grace with Frances Rosenau. This post is public so feel free to share it.
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~What I’m reading~
Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
I like the rain, because it helps me feel less guilty about staying inside and not doing farm chores! And I don't have to water my gardens! 🤣 However gloomy winter days get me down. There is a huge connection between the winter weather and my mood. I also use a SAD lamp and try to schedule a sun filled vacay each year in Jan or Feb.