Just This...

Everything has changed.

The days grow short.  The light has changed, grown dim.  A great stillness covers the land.  Do you see it?  And does it inspire you much as it does me?

A wise woman told me that we'd all be happier if we could live more like the bears.  When the days are long, they're out and about, in a flurry of enjoyment, feasting on the warmth and bounties of summer.

And when the short days come and the light becomes dim, and the world is cold and still, then it's time to find a warm den, huddle up, rest up, breathe slow and deep, and listen to the calming silence.

Easy to do if you pay attention to all the reminders.  The dim light that removes the color from the sky and the trees and the water.

the almost daily fall of snow, the cold, which inspires you huddle up close to home,

to put another log on the fire. Or to drink an extra cup of something warm.

See, according to this woman, if people could just wake up in the morning and see what kind of day it is, sunny, bright and warm, or cold, chilly and dark, and then plan to do what the season calls you to do, every day is a happy one.

 No one is fighting to do the impossible, like drive too fast on an icy road,

or go sunbathing when the sun stays low and dim in the sky.

 No disappointment, no shattered dreams.  Just acceptance of the beauty that that day has given to us.

Can you see it?  If you can take the time in these dark days,  just stop, stay warm, breathe, and listen to the stillness.

Every day is a good day.  If you live like a bear.

Thank you, wise woman.