3 Tips to Survive this Awkward Time of Year

I find this time of year very awkward

Where I live there are hints of spring infiltrating the landscape. Buds on the ends of branches, brighter mornings, and lingering daylight in the evenings. (All this despite what remains of a surprise snowfall.)

There is a lot of power in this time of year. Think of the energy required for dormant bulbs to bust through the surface of the earth so that their greenery can access the daylight.

I’m certainly feeling the drive right now. I just sat down with my calendar and mapped out the next two months. In fact I’ve done this three times because twice my cat licked off the words which were written in non-permanent marker on laminated calendars. (Side note: How do you detoxify cats? Anyone know?)

Each of the three times I realized I have a lot going on. I am taking courses, preparing for public talks, and writing guest blog posts. I’m starting a cleanse (more on that in a future article).

I’m working on creating two new habits:

1. consistent exercise that is effective for me, and

2. a quiet, contemplative morning practice.

I’m organizing a group study and support program for B-School, and lastly attempting to remain socially interested in the lives of my friends and family. Oh yea, and I’m still decluttering.

But, is it all too much?

In all honesty, right now it feels that way. And I bet there are areas in your life, that you’re feeling the same; like it is just too much. You with me?

I have a feeling about why this time of year feels particularly crazy.

All this buzz and activity I just mentioned is perfect for the pending spring. But it’s not spring yet. It is technically still winter, the perfect time of year for introspection, and tuning into your inner wisdom. My morning practice and de-cluttering project are perfect. But the rest of the stuff is kinda jumping the gun. Energy is building.

We are transitioning from being to doing. And transition is always uncomfortable to some degree.

Something ends. Something begins. In the middle there is the awkward part. No man’s land. Anticipation. Grief. Where do I stand? What do I do? What is to come?

Winter is ending, fading into spring which is currently a mere idea, albeit a very active one. Pre-spring. It’s so awkward, don’t ya think?

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It’s an awkward time of year.

Here’s what helps me stay sane at this time of year:

1. Journalling: It really helps, I’ve noticed. I have been writing only a page per day before my meditation, and it helps me clear my frenzied thoughts, and come back into a state of presence and awareness. Sigh. The perfect states for winter.

2.Getting Busy: Wait… isn’t that opposite? I mean, getting my buns busy. The more time I spend outside walking, jumping, prancing, or frolicking the more everything seems okay. Movement helps me stay in the present moment. What about you?

3. Laughing Hard: I feel like this solves most of my problems. Watching my favorite sitcoms, being silly with my favorite people, or wondering what the heck my cat sees in the ink on my calendars, as long as I’m laughing the world seems easier. Wouldn’t you say?

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What are your thoughts about this? Do you agree that this time of year just has some weird mojo about it? How do you manage it? Let me know by leaving a comment below.