California is not really known to have distinct seasons, it’s more an extension of different types of summer. But, that’s okay because I am not talking about those seasons anyway, instead, I am talking about ‘seasons” you know the messy emotional ones. Yeah, those. My heart has been so heavy lately and my anxiety is on high alert it seems everywhere you look people are plunged into this weird perpetual “winter”. You know what I’m talking about sour faces, overly sensitive or angry, touchy, uncomfortable. Overall icky. Just like winter though it’s not all bad I still see some smiles and signs of hope, and people sharing love and kindness. While I agree we are in a weird kind of dark place overall across the world I think there is still so much to be thankful for. Could it be the work I do allows me to see more good than bad? Possibly, but I also think that working at a food bank shows you all sides of people because you are seeing them at their most vulnerable. What I do know is that as a whole we need to work towards pulling ourselves from the perpetual winter and move into the newness of welcoming vibes of spring. I’ve been forcing myself to do things that I know will pull me out of that long winter slump and force me to laugh, smile, dance, and move. Like everyone I too am in a tough season of life I have not been able to do something, I love so much, take photos out in nature because I have just been too busy with life. It dawned on me that with the world starting to open up again and commitments mounting for everyone it will be harder and harder to do those little things that bring such joy, that’s why it is so important to schedule them in and make yourself a priority over some of those responsibilities. And remember when you are out and about go out of your way to do something nice for a stranger I get the most joy out of paying for random meals or coffee, striking up awkward conversations with people I don’t know, and sharing shy smiles with strangers across grocery store aisles. The world needs more of that, after all our beautiful faces have been mostly covered for the last few years. Its time to give those muscles a nice workout.