Time Rolls On

Time to Move on and Time to Stop

With the time change in March, we spring forward.  The snow was melting over the last few weeks, and people began to feel better. There was more light, given the time change and, with that, more hope.  There were more chances to get out and walk if outdoor sports were not your thing this winter.  Even our pets seem to have more energy.  But then there is the late and heavy snowfall. Once again, it is hard to navigate the city, with slippery roads and paths.  How the thaw and freeze cycle can create treacherous trips even across parking lots.  Being originally from Ireland, well, that’s my excuse, I don’t traverse the parking lot from my car to Safeway very well.  When I start to think about falling, I get more jerky and less stable.  All psychological, of course, or maybe it is wisdom, given a few wipeouts! Working in neuro units at the U of A hospital has also awakened me to the numerous ways people can sustain an injury.  So what can I do and what can you do when you are trying to overcome some fears?  Sometimes, I try to think of what is working well and the best time for me to venture out.  During the day, for example, is better than an evening trip to the store if possible.  Not overthinking things and weighing up all the successful times, I have traversed the parking lot without slipping.  Balancing bags on my way out of the store, I walk slowly doing what is known as the ‘Penguin Walk’.  Of course, the snow is not all bad, when inside, cozy and looking out, the snow can seem very beautiful.  A few minutes with a cup of coffee staring outside can be very relaxing.  Taking time to ponder my plans and goals, usually the nearer ones, brings some excitement or happiness. I am very purpose-driven, so I like to think of things that will add some meaning and value to my life and, hopefully, to those around me. 

Time is something that helps us all evaluate how things have gone and it makes us wonder what things could be like if we could see into the future.  One of the things we can control is the here and now.  Some contemporary tools I find useful for relaxing are HD screen savers on TV that have some fireplace or candles flickering or waves of the ocean rolling in. Many are AI-generated.  I also like changing the photo on my main home laptop screen fairly frequently or on my phone. These can be reminders for me to focus on something important to me or something that is inspiring.  If I have taken that photo, it can also help me recall where and when. As the snow will melt and water the earth, I know that spring is coming. Officially, since March 21^st, it has been here already, but the late storm put a halt to things for a bit.  What is amazing nowadays is that we can have indoor flowers or pictures of them to give us hope for a season that will soon be seen. The wonderful world of the trees and foliage will soon start waking up. In Ireland, one can see daffodils from February 1^st onwards, for those in Vancouver, the beauty comes a little later but earlier than for us in Alberta.  Just like life, there is a time for everything. Some things come earlier for others and later for those who have to wait.  But time rolls on.  We can become stronger, happier, and more hopeful, but it takes work.  We may have to contend with challenges in life, but we also get the opportunity to try and make things work for us.  Enjoy the photo above, may it bring you joy and hope in the knowledge that with a little bit of toil, hopefully for us all, good times can roll around.

If you would like to work on this reset for yourself and explore other ways that might be helpful for you, we can talk. Counselling is not always for something traumatic or a recent death; sometimes, it can be a space for someone to come and talk and see how they are doing in the world.  There are times when we can become tired or low in energy, and we would like to examine with another person what we are thinking and feeling.  Counselling can be a great way for us to feel a bit better. It takes time, but as time rolls on, there can be much beauty to be seen and a sense of feeling better in the world.