#3 Build Shelter

Alright, so as we have accepted that winter is here, and here to stay. Now we can begin to create our gameplan. The funny thing is that once we stop struggling, we can start resisting. You would think those two things would go hand-in-hand, but they don’t. Struggling is more about trying to stumble onto a resolution through trial and error, while resisting is about stepping into a planned solution. Both might work, but we’re after guarantees, and a little planning and premeditating will get us there.

I think the first big thing to do is to adjust to the weather. And what do we do when it’s cold outside? We hide indoors! We build a fire and create a space that is warm, cozy, and most of all: 

Safe.

Yes, that’s the tie-in. When life gets rough, we need a space that will be mostly the same no matter what. This could be your home, but it could also be some place like the movies, long car rides, or even your favorite place to eat. As long as you can have access to this place whenever you need it and it gives you roughly the same feeling every time with a very slim chance of things going sour. 

And then we should get intentional about making the most of this space. Beef up your car with a good heated seat or sound system. Designate a snack-smuggling bag for the movies, and find yourself a good comfy couch for crashing on at home. Don’t just spend time doing your favorite thing, invest in it a little. That way, you will get a little more out of it, warming you up a little more than it would otherwise.

I think that’s the part we often neglect: the investment. I know I do. A lot of times, my house is a “whatever zone.” I mean-the floors aren’t filthy and the kitchen doesn’t stink, but my house doesn’t get a whole lotta love from me. And then I turn around and wonder why I don’t seem to want to be home. It’s because I don’t invest in it at all. I still go into kid mode, where cleaning is a dull list of chores that has to get done. And now that I don’t have an adult telling me to do them, they don’t have to be done until it gets out of hand or I have guests. Otherwise, it’s pretty much meh.

And as far as how much time you spend there, I would lean towards saying “take as much as you need.” Depending on how bad the storm is, you may need that time. But do be wary of becoming addicted, or things otherwise getting out of hand. You may need to go out into the cold for a bit, but know where that shelter is so that you can come back to it whenever you need it. And you can play with the variables, like bringing people along, but make sure that this particular environment remains predictable and stable. This is your safe place, and you don’t want anyone accidentally ruining it for you. 

So list your favorite things to do and places to be. Find some ways to intentionally invest in them and see what happens. I pray that you find your shelters and that you can build your fireplace to create a cozy environment to last the winter’s storm.

Until Next Time

May Peace be your Guide.