I hope you’ve had a chance to try a couple Expanded Thinking keys from the previous lists. I don’t do all of them every day or even every week but seem to cycle through them over the course of a year. During my recovery from alcohol, several from this list became a framework for maintaining better routines and overall health.

I learned that most people with addictions are avoiding some kind of pain. My anticipation of something perceived as unpleasant seemed to magnify the issue. The longer I delayed dealing with it, the more stress. But I was being tricked by FEAR; False Evidence Appearing Real. People around me were dealing with many things head on, without alcohol or pain dullers of any kind.

My first experience with facing pain head on was during the birth of my second daughter. I’d already had one daughter and played the anesthesia game. Afterward, there were more surprise pains when it wore off. Childbirth is painful, but the reality wasn’t as bad as my mind wanted me to believe. I decided to go natural without anesthesia. My midwife was stunned when I said I didn’t need any pain meds for afterward. By then, I’d figured out how to reframe it, and pain was a welcome part of getting my body back.

Time passed, and I forgot this lesson and had to learn it again. When two people close to me died, it was very sad. But I chose to endure it soberly. There were hard days, I’m not discounting the loss. Both happened in winter and I could have easily slipped into unproductive behavior. Instead I chose a different level of self-care. These final seven Winter Blues Busters pulled me through.

#1 Eat a healthy diet. This is worthy of a little research, but I’m currently exploring Nutritarian food measurements not calories. This isn’t so much a diet as a lifestyle change. I have not participated in the Weight Loss industry for decades. I quit concerning myself with weight goals by eating nutrient-dense foods, drinking clean water or liquids that add to my health rather than take away. My focus is health and strength and an empowered immune system not being a runway model. Guarding my health meant looking into what compromises it in the first place. If I don’t deal with the root cause, I’m just assuaging symptoms. It doesn’t make sense to overlook what I’m putting in my body.

#2 Get enough sleep every night. This is highly undervalued for improved sleep: the bedding, certain clothing, eating too late, caffeine, LED lights, screentime, and an of brain function and health. Wanting a full night’s peaceful sleep forced me to look at things that sabotaged my inconsistent bedtime routine. For years I had restless leg syndrome, coupled with a drinking habit I woke multiple times a night to use the bathroom. I woke up tired and couldn’t get through a day without a nap. Certain fabrics aren’t conducive to deep rest. After changing them out for ones that were, I noticed an accumulation of benefits, including better overall health, and a more cheerful attitude.

#3. Learn a new skill. The events of the last few years have incentivized me to become a student of nature’s medicine cabinet. Rather than waiting until an illness overtakes me, I’ve become more proactive. I’ve been making my own herbal blends and tinctures, including the much-maligned HCQ [Peels of three lemons and three grapefruits boiled for three hours then stored in a glass jar. I drink a shot a day and if something is coming on, 2x a day.)

Studying a foreign language has expanded my knowledge base and opened up new options. In my circle of influence, one lady took up embroidery and crocheting., another greeting card creation. Another woman made and sold candles and soap. It doesn’t have to become a side hustle unless you want that. It can be for the sake of creative expression or a passing interest.

#4 Meet new people and groups. Attending networking events was more fun than I expected it to be. No matter how many people I meet, no two have the same story. I’ve made wonderful connections and gained through those brief interactions. I’ve been inspired, challenged, astounded and pleasantly surprised. Each one changed me in some small and big ways.

One associate shared with me about Alanon. Because I followed up, I was able to understand the impact my drinking had on my daughter. I met a specialist who explained to me the mysterious benefits of unlocking DNA. I met a wonderful Genealogy researcher who helped me understand my history. I’ve received many book recommendations. By going there and having several things to share, I contribute to the growing knowledge pool in my community. Meeting new people is like going to a garden and enjoying all the beautiful colors and variations. Eventbrite is a great source for finding new in-person or online groups.

#5 Volunteer to help others. Each year I try to find at least one long term and one short term thing I can do to give back. Making meals, or baked goods for others, spending time with someone who’s lonely, sending a gift card to a single parent, encouraging or praying for a person going through a difficult time, sending flowers, or condolences, even attending a funeral. I’ve offered my writing skills to various causes. What I give is always multiplied back to me. You never know where a volunteer position could lead, or who you might meet.

#6 Keep occupied and productive. When one of my single mother friends launched her last child into the world, she found a new way to be useful to her community through book giveaways to children. Another took up knitting lap blankets for the elderly. One wrote out long prayers to people at specific times of the year and sent them. Whatever your superpower is, someone is more than happy to make use of it. Start a list (drag out that bucket list you started) of what you’re interested in. Write down your wildest dreams. Write in your pie-in-the-sky ideas.

#7 Step outside your comfort zone. Once upon a time, writing a blog was the scariest thing in the whole world. Now I’ve been doing it for over twenty years. The number one fear among many people is speaking in public. If you overcame that fear, what else would you be able to overcome? If you’re interested in becoming a much more resilient person, I recommend Ben Aldridge’s Get Out of Your Comfort Zone card deck. (Which I got for myself a while back… Let me know if you’d like to go along when I take up that challenge!)

Remember you can change. You’re not alone. You don’t have to stay stuck. Expanded thinking can help pull you out of a rut and empower you to do greater things at any age, in any season. No more waiting for things to change. You can change them. If you’ve found this article or any in the series helpful, like it and share it with someone you know.

Thanks for coming by. I’ll look forward to seeing you again soon. Please share your comments below.