I just wrote about the solstice and already the days are getting longer. While I lament that aspect, I’m happy that winter has officially begun. I love the way the clouds are cast in silver streaks against the evening sky; the accentuated brightness of the stars. I feel content to be tucked away when the snow falls and the day moves through shades of white and gray. There are many weeks left of hunkering down inside.
Colorado, however, gets many more days of sunshine than snow days and there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy winter under beautiful, deep blue skies. I continue to run in the mornings, cross-country ski every week or two, and most years I go on a backcountry ski trip to one of the 10th Mountain Division Huts.
View from Margy's Hut
While I’ve enjoyed these facets of the season, my mind has been consumed with other thoughts. Ever since I returned from my travels, I have been focused on looking for a job. And although I’ve had moments of anxiety, overall, I’ve felt hopeful, confident and excited about the possibilities.
I find it energizing to begin the search for a new job. It’s stressful and interviews can be nerve-racking, but I also find the process valuable for clearing out the cobwebs and reassessing what has happened up to now and which direction I intend to go next. I consider how I’ve addressed challenges, what worked, what didn’t and what could have been done better. When I read a job description, I think about how my current skills will be helpful to that organization and how I might be challenged. I look forward to meeting people who have different gifts than I do. I like the exchange of knowledge.
It’s one of several reasons I chose to become a librarian. I knew that I would be in an environment in which I would constantly be learning and I’d be around people who valued learning. And of course, I would get to be around all those books and reference sources all the time.
Teaching in China provided a whole new set of wonderful challenges and opportunities – all of them dovetailing beautifully with, and adding to, my work as a librarian. And it confirmed the notion I’d long-held – that I would enjoy teaching in an international setting. Although the venue and methods are different, the intent and focus are similar.
I’ve been approaching this job exploration with a sense of anticipation. And in order to keep a positive view during the process, I’ve been diligent about taking care of myself. There are several areas to which I pay close attention:
1) The most important thing for me is exercise and specifically running. Running at least four times a week for an hour in the morning as been my modus operandi for years. If I’m training for a half-marathon, I run longer, 5-6 days a week. It’s just part of my routine and I depend on it for my sense of well-being. I love the physical challenge and the calm it provides. During a run, my mind works out problems or comes up with some new creative idea to explore.
2) I maintain a low-meat, low-dairy diet and try to avoid too many treats. I tend to get hungry early and often due to my running, so it’s a bit of challenge to remain disciplined regarding unnecessary snacks.
3) I get up before sunrise and spend at least 30-45 minutes in quite time/meditation (with coffee!).
4) I stay involved in my other activities – reading, writing, knitting, and recently, hand-spinning. I also like to take short excursions to new or favorite places. Like running, this also helps me generate creativity and new ideas.
5) Time with friends and family remains important. I always appreciate the wisdom, laughter and confidence of my tribe.
6) I keep my mind curious and open.
These activities are important to me all the time, but especially now. During this season, when I have no control over job application outcomes, these rituals provide a positive way for me to manage important aspects of my personal life.
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I found this post interesting for a number of reasons.
As a “Day in the Life” of you it gave me an impressionist image of who you are now with references to your past. It was interesting for me to see how another lives in contrast with my own life. While the specifics are very different I can relate to how you approach your challenges with a cautious optimism – hope tinged with apprehension.
Speaking of contrasts, your appreciation of winter nights made me pause. I prefer warm summer days when the sun never seems to set. However, reading your comment here and looking back at your winter solstice post I can understand what you feel about winter nights.
It makes me consider the ying/yang of summer days/winter nights.
Thanks for your comments Tim – I like the idea of ying/yang in relation to summer days and winter nights. I have not met many people who feel the way I do about the dark. But I enjoy summer days too.