Time for an update.
Once the weather got too wet and cold to ride our bikes, and we decided, since cases are rising rapidly in Ontario, that we would play it safe and withdraw from our weekly outdoor pickleball games, we fell into a funk.
I had household chores I could have done, but I wasn’t inspired. I spent a lot of time reading, playing games on my iPad and watching TV, too much of the depressing news. I often attempted to do some writing one day, but had no inclination to continue the next day. I was working on my Memoirs, but looking through old pictures and taking the sometimes painful walks down memory lane only made me feel worse. All of this resulted in great fatigue and anxiety, both of which exacerbated my chronic pain.
I ordered a new mattress for our bed, to replace the 20 year old one, and then I worried about how I was going to pay for it. I have some savings, but feared spending any of it. I might need it for a rainy day!
I thought doing some Christmas decorating would help lift my spirits; it did, briefly.
Finally, after the US election was officially over, even if the current President has still not accepted his defeat, I stopped spending so much time reading and watching the news. I decided I was going to get back to my writing!
Earlier this week, in the middle of a night that sleep was eluding me, I bit the bullet and shelled out the money needed to join an online writing group where I could share my stories and get reviews. I could review the writing of others and get to know fellow writers. I could also enter contests with the prospect of possibly winning back what it cost me to join.
The next day I began. Receiving positive reviews and encouragement lifted me out of my sadness and returned purpose to my life. I have a much better attitude; I have much less pain; I’ve let go of past resentments. My energy has returned and I’m excited to face each new day.
I’m looking forward to the day that the World is vaccinated against COVID, and happy that it will be coming sooner than expected, but in the meantime I will focus on what I really like to do – write!
Mind Traveler 
I am so glad that you joined a writing group. Since we started the writing group again at the seniors’ centre in Napanee, I am more inspired to write. Writing can definitely pull me out of a funk. Glad it did the same for you. Watching the news can be depressing too–whether it’s COVID-related or political. So I sometimes just try and watch or listen as little as possible. This Christmas will be very different for everyone but I hope that by connecting virtually with family and enjoying Jim’s company you’ll both have a wonderful holiday season. Every good wish for 2021.
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Thanks, Christine. I had joined a writers group in Peterborough shortly after we got home. It was all done virtually, but there were only a few people showed up and they were all writing novels so it just didn’t feel like what I needed. But it was free. A number of years ago I was on a site similar to FanStory, which is the one I’ve signed up with now, and I still have the great reviews, suggestions and encouragement that was provided. I really enjoyed reading all the other work that was posted too. Now I can’t remember the name of it. Anyway this one has boosted my self-esteem and inspiration already, so the cost was worth it.
Other than being able to wish people Merry Christmas in person, this year won’t be a lot different for us than it was in Arizona. There were lots of Christmas events we attended, before Christmas Day, and some years we either had dinner at someone’s home, or at our place, but last year we had no plans so took a bus trip to Laughlin Nevada. It was fun, but sure didn’t feel like Christmas!
Best wishes to you and Jim this holiday season too. I think I’ll be on the road visiting with all my old friends as soon as it is safe to do so in the new year!
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Thanks, Linda. We too will be looking forward to a better 2021 and getting back together with our friends. Happy Holidays to you too!
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Way to go Judy. Pleased for you that things are brightening. Sending best seasonal wishes to you and Jim. And looking forward to a better 2021!
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