March SOLC–Day 12
A huge thank you to Anna, Beth, Betsy, Deb, Kathleen, Lisa, Lanny, Melanie, and Stacey for all that they do to create a supportive community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
twowritingteachers.org
Last week I read Amy Warntz’s post about “sanity savers”, those little things that keep us going when life seems overwhelming. Amy pointed out that we tend to look to what’s “killing” us, rather than to what’s “saving” us. She emphasized the importance of changing one’s perspective and recognizing the small things that make a big difference in our lives. I loved reading her list of “sanity savers” and I tucked the idea away to use later this month.
Today I woke to continued 2 degree temperatures and the realization when I stepped into the family room that the heating pipes had frozen…again. This is a long story involving a fine balancing act between wood stove use and circulating water in the radiators. Clearly we haven’t gotten it right yet. It was darn chilly in the house and to top it off, I was already grumpy about losing an hour to that bold, pernicious thief, Daylight Savings Time. When you’re already discontent at 5:00 am (ok, fine 6:00 am!), it’s time to make a deliberate mental shift.
That’s when I remembered Amy’s post!
So here is my current list of sanity savers, in no particular order. (Among other things, Amy and I have Flair pens in common!):
- early morning time on my own
- watching the birds at my feeders
- messaging with my kids
- fresh baked bialys or everything bagels
- listening to Kurt play guitar
- reading–not just a sanity saver, a life saver!
- heated car seats–sheer bliss on 2 degree days!
- unexpected notes from students
- my slippers and thick warm socks (especially today!)
- chatting with my sisters
- making big vats of steamy, delicious soup
- reading blogs
- a venti Starbucks nonfat half-caff latte with two pumps of peppermint
- sharing stories and laughs with my friends and colleagues
- Pens, especially multi-colored Flair pens–I just got a mega pack on sale at Staples for $5!!! (Ok, full disclosure, I went back and picked up 3 more packs. Who can resist at that price?)
- getting outside, walking and taking pictures
- my warm, cozy, ever-welcoming feather bed
- time to write and reflect
- watching the puppies on the live cam at Warrior Canine Connection (a new addiction)
- comments on my blog posts
As I reread this hastily constructed list, I realized that I tend to think of so many of these as distractions from what I’m supposed to be doing. Whoa! When did I start thinking that way? Clearly, I need to reset my perspective in more ways than one. I’ll be giving that some more thought, but for now, mood reset, I’m ready to dive into this day. Thanks, Amy!
What are your sanity savers?
Nix the comfort zone 
Your list is wonderful! Of course, I had to chuckle at the pens. You should have no regrets about going back and picking up three more packs! Oh, and the heated car seats. I can definitely see why they would be a sanity saver with your cold, cold temps. It’s it funny how our mind, our thinking shifts when we realize the good and simple things. About those pipes, I think I would have woke up and said, “are you kidding me?!”
Thanks for the shout out, Molly. You inspire me to keep on writing. I’m so glad we are blogging buddies.
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Blogging buddies should DEFINITELY have made that list!!! Thanks again for the inspiration and for the ongoing support, Amy!
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Evenings in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine with Hannah. Things/events don’t happen to us, they happen for us.
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A sanity saver indeed, Dan! Hope Hannah is healing quickly. I’ll think of you both when I enjoy my glass of red wine tonight–Cheers!
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i am tucking this away as a sanity saver for me, Although it was below zero here this am, our wood stove was working beautifully and my husband stocked it in the middle of night too – I awoke (minus that hour) content this am, knowing this cold has got leave in order for the snow to arrive!!! Hang in there!
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[…] Thank you, Molly, for giving me this idea. You can read her post Here. […]
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Thank you for this inspiration! I made my own list today and you might notice some repeats… like heated car seats and cozy slipper socks
Enjoy today!
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Argh, it’s already 10 am here! Where did that hour go? Love this, Molly, especially the looking out the window on a cold day. Hope you warm up soon!
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Sanity savers: Blogging, watching the birds and then recording sightings and the corresponding weather looking for patterns, reaching out to others, cooking and hanging with my family including my furry kids.
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I have never thought of making a list of sanity saver or even having any! This is such a revelation both as a blog idea and a life coping idea. #1 on my list : warm homemade afghans, yoga pants, and starbucks mochas.
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[…] post was inspired by Sanity Savers at Mainer In Training, Sanity Savers at Nix the comfort zone, and Sanity Savers at Runner, Reader, & Rockin’ […]
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Haaaa! I latched onto the pen purchase! (my love of office supplies). Sanity Savers!! What a great shift in perspective. Great post for me at this time in life!! Thanks
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So many great sanity savers…. but I really long for more “time to write and reflect” … Stay warm!
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[…] about a wonderful welcome back to school! Sanity Saver #8 from my post yesterday (here) was unexpected notes from students. I certainly didn’t expect to get one today. What a great […]
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