Life Tools: Weathering Transitions By Susan Hanniford Crowley

Ending of Autumn on the Lake – Photo courtesy of Susan Hanniford Crowley

The Life Tools today are about transitions, not only between Autumn and Winter but life in general. Some transitions are fun, but most involve some element of pain. Some seem unbearable. I look at the trees preparing to sleep for the winter. Most shed their leaves. Certain ones stay green through the cold times. Remember those below are tools. Pick and choose what you want to do.

One way of preparing for a transition is decluttering. Only get rid of those things you don’t need anymore and your family doesn’t want. I go through books. I LOVE books! So I’m making bags for the used bookstore that sells and buys books. I’m going through clothes too. Have space for the things you really love.

A dear friend of mine is a photographer. She was downsizing and couldn’t take all her framed photographs. She gifted a framed photo to each of her friends. I was deeply honored to receive one.

Another way is to make a family and friends album. It’s your choice whether it is more of a scrapbook or just photos. Remember to put names and dates. The scrapbook appeals to me as I want to add the concert and convention programs and maybe all the pictures from conventions and family vacations too.

Setup your home so its primary purpose is comfort and ease. I just brought up my Christmas village box from the storage room. I will set it up in the lowest shelf in my dining room cabinet. I’ll be bringing up my angel making box next. Notice I didn’t bring up both boxes. Try to do one thing at a time. Savor doing things. Don’t be in a rush.

This one life tool you might not want to do. Go to funerals of family and/or friends. It gives the heart closure. You will likely meet other people you know. Talk with them and go out and eat . Memories can help us get through things.

Revive a hobby for use during bad weather. Set up a reading/writing/hobby nook for yourself. All you need is a comfy chair. a table, and a good light.

You might also set up board games for use by the family when the power goes out. If you still have power but the weather is fierce, make a movie list or book list. New coloring books for small children.

Set up your emergency box. Here is a good site that gives you a list of what you need: https://www.ready.gov/kit Once it is set up and in a handy place, forget about it. This is something to do to make transitions easier.

Stay connected with family/friends. You don’t need a Thanksgiving to get together. Go bowling with friends. Visit older members of your family and learn about them.

If you are feeling anxious about a transition, consider doing things to relieve your anxiety or sad feelings. Take to a counselor. You may feel shaky inside. Here is a great site with helplines. I chose the page with the helplines for the United States of America to share with you. But you can choose your country on the main page. https://findahelpline.com/countries/us

You are important so take great care of yourself. I’m going to start yoga again. One of my daughters goes to a pottery class. I got to tea with my gal pals. Do something that makes you smile and/or laugh everyday.

This is a funny tool. Make a surprise box. Buy several small things, wrap them in the same wrapping paper, and put them into a box. Make a hole in the box so you can pull something out but can’t see inside. This can be a once a week surprise for you or a fun thing to do at parties.

Whatever you choose, be safe, and keep those you love close.

All the best always,
Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and an author

David & Laura: A Vampire Christmas Story: An Arnhem Society Special Edition is available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback (Note: a steamy novella in a pocket sized book)

EverNight for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback.
EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also on Amazon around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available on Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) is available on Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) is available on Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available on Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 is available on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

Now we wait
for the return of the princess.