Page 9 - January 2021 Voices

some point), I could look at my Good steps. Be explosive.
situation more pragmatically. Big reach. When
Start to plan my next move, see planning your

the future a little more clearly. goals this year,
If this year or last has dealt you start small. Try to
a horrible hand, it’s okay to be focus on manageable,
upset. But at some point you attainable habits and

have to remember that those actions you can put in
tears aren’t getting you any place to achieve them. It’s
closer to your goals. not that you’ll never dunk, but you’ve
Permission to feel, then got to get the mechanics of the net

act. graze down first.

Shoot for the Net Get Some Vitamin Sun
It’s easy to start a new year Let’s face it, northwest weather is depressing

thinking “I’m going to in the winter. Like a thick fog, or, quite literally,
totally reinvent myself, a thick fog, the feeling is slow to overtake you
drop all until it is too late—until you’ve wakened. On a
my bad cold, rainy, impossibly dark morning questioning

habits, and whether it’s 5am or 5pm. It’s no surprise that
live my best Seasonal Affective Disorder has the acronym
life!” Then January S.A.D. (who’s idea was this, really?). According
3rd hits and you’re to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of S.A.D. can

back to boredom include: increased need for sleep, daytime
snacking at 11 pm. Been fatigue, irritability, decreased activity, decreased
there. Figuratively, instead of trying to jump concentration and ability to think clearly, and
high enough to dunk this year, I’m just trying to increased appetite, particularly for sweets and

graze the net. Literally, out on runs I try to jump starchy carbohydrates. Just what we need on top
and hit the net of random strangers’ curbside of everything ELSE, right? To counteract this,
basketball hoops. When I do, I try to employ though sunny days may be few and far between,
Trevor Moawad’s ideas on “neutral thinking.” I when we get them be sure to take advantage! Even

don’t focus on the goal of hitting the net, I don’t a short walk in direct sun can boost your mood
let my negative thoughts grow loud, I don’t cheer significantly. Other options include UV desk
myself on, I think about the few ACTIONS that lights/light therapy, or even going to a tanning
are in my CONTROL to accomplish the task. salon in moderation can be a great way to catch

VOICES! | JANUARY 2021 9