It is fall. Officially. And yet- it was 95 degrees yesterday. I long for sweaters and layers and boots! But, I am still in shorts and sundresses because it’s too hot. The weather is such that even thinking about all the fall things I love- Halloween, apples, ciders, boots, scarves- feel heavy and so far away. Yet. It is fall. So what do we do when it doesn’t feel like it?
You may have caught on that this isn’t just about the weather (though it very much is about the weather!). Lately, there’s been a lot that just doesn’t feel like it, or that I just don’t feel like doing. Sometimes I can fake it and make myself do it (and I know there is advice and people who will tell you that this is the way to get it done. Just do it and fake it); and then there have been times recently when I can’t make myself or take it. Like wearing a sweater when it’s 95 out.
When we are in a liminal space where what it feels like and what we want (or what we want to do) are far apart, how do we handle it? Yes. Fake it. Sometimes the act of doing moves things along, and we find we can do the things and things change. But, when we can’t? This is where I have been stuck a bit. I believe that sometimes venting and acknowledging that it doesn’t feel like it can help. And grow camaraderie with your people! That, however, can also lead to complaining and ruts and wallowing that keeps you stuck. Doing is great, but when doing doesn’t work it can feel worse. Is it balance? Is it knowing when to do and when to complain?
Maybe there is a secret 3rd thing when it doesn’t feel like it- acceptance. Yes, it’s part admitting that whatever “it” is doesn’t feel like it. But instead of doing through it or complaining, just sitting with it. I can’t change the weather, as much as I would like to. And complaining that it’s hot doesn’t change it. So. I have been wearing temp appropriate outfits and adding fall elements when I can- because that’s what I can do. I am trying to bring that acceptance to my other issues that don’t feel like it. Doing what I can, accepting it, and trusting that one day it will feel like it.
Do you have any better ideas? I would love to hear about it!
Wishing us all a week of it feeling it like it and amazing shoes! XO RA