What I read: A bunch of my old posts–Sam’s November advice for those hate November, Sam’s November Plan 2022, Is there a way to redeem November? , 10 things to make it through November , and November goals.
What I thought: Wow, that’s a lot of November hate right there. But the good thing I’ve realized is that I have successfully isolated my dislike of November to November. I think that works well for me. Back when I was a very nervous flier, I read a bunch of counselling books about fear of flying and they all talked about fear of airports, fear of booking tickets, fear of sitting in planes and I realized I was actually doing okay. My fear of flying was limited to flying. Who on earth, I wondered, is scared of sitting on plans on the runway? Lots of people, it turns out. Anyway, I’ve also been chipping away at November-hate itself. I’ve been concentrating on the good things–Mallory’s big concert and Sarah’s birthday! And buying lights to help with all the dark. I also have given in to starting Christmas celebrations early. November needs some holiday spirits, I decided.
What I’ve done so far to get ready for November:
🍁🌧️🥶I bought a bright, floral, pink raincoat from Scribbler, a New Zealand company. I bought it because a) it’s beautiful and bright, and b) you should buy raincoats in places it actually rains a lot and Aotearoa is seriously rainy.
🍁🌧️🥶 We’ve set time aside to celebrate Sarah’s birthday and to go see Mallory sing in the Karen Schussler Singers concert, Go for Baroque!
🍁🌧️🥶 We’re also going to Montreal for a weekend around the time of Sarah’s birthday.
🍁🌧️🥶 On the fitness front, we’ll be back Zwifting, racing the evenings away.
🍁🌧️🥶 I’m also planning on doing some cooking–making vegan soup. I think my favourite is white bean and kale. How about you?
🍁🌧️🥶 November is also Gratitude Month and I’ll certainly be keeping up my Three Good Things practise. I’ve come to really enjoy that partly because it makes me look for good things.
🍁🌧️🥶 Finally because so much of what’s horrifying these days is political, especially looking south of the border, I’m trying to think of a political commitment I can make to stay engaged. I’m just horrified at the racism and transphobia fueling US policy and at what’s happening to US universities. And I’m very scared of external influence on Canadian elections, not to mention all the 51st state talk. I’m giving money where I can to causes I care about. I’m open to suggestions about what else we can do. Comment below.
