Scenes from Our Old Place (A Series): Rainy Days

Rainy days in the suburbs

I usually don't like rainy days. I'm the textbook definition of someone whose mood is largely affected by the weather. But ever since I tried making an effort to embrace a slower pace of life, I've been learning so much from grounding myself in times like this. It's a progressive mindset shift that takes time and constant practice to master. 

As someone with clinical panic and anxiety disorders, this has helped drastically with my panic attacks. The episodes have been few and far between and (*high-fiving myself for this 🤗) much less severe. 

Disclaimer: This isn't expert medical advice and is based on my own personal experience. Always follow your doctor's expert evaluation, guidance, and prescriptions.

The Art of Romanticizing Dull Moments

Romanticizing ordinary moments is not unrealistic or just for show on social media if you actually revel in the little things that make up your day, even the typically unappealing or mundane parts. It could be the pitter-patter of the rain on the roof, the shadows on the wall when the power is out, or the way the flame of a candle flickers when a gust of wind blows.

Or, for working people (like me!), it could be the taste of coffee during breaks, the smell and look of your desk after some cleaning and organizing, or a kind gesture by a boss or colleague. 

It doesn't mean you never feel frustrated or tired or busy or that you have to fake how you're feeling in the moment for the sake of this lifestyle. It just means making a conscious effort little by little, working your way into a place of balance where you get to live most days on your own terms.