Hidden truth, isolation, confusion. Things fog symbolizes and it enveloped us for two days.
As autumn weather arrives, so does morning fog.
It was beautiful and eerie to walk through in the dark Thursday morning, as I headed to work (pictured at top).
My head felt foggy the past week, resulting from recent sleeplessness due to things beyond my family’s control, as well as T’s recent challenges.
In these moments, things feel overwhelming and one small thing can be like the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
“We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright!“
– 1 Corinthians, 13:12
When I enter a foggy moment, when the view is obscured, my surrounding feels cut off, and the ground feels shaky, I remind myself this is temporary.
I accept that my capacity to address the demands on me is finite and I’ve reached my current limit.
And to breath, because it always passes.
And to refocus on self care.
- Get quiet alone time
- Go to bed early
- Set boundaries with people
- Exercise
- Enjoy something mindless and fun
- Listen to music
- Go for a walk
- Let go of things you can’t control
- Practice gratitude and prayer
Sure enough, by Friday, the fog lifted late morning and the beautiful sunshine came out.
After work, I went for a gym workout, listening to uplifting trance music, including a favourite song by Dutch DJ Ferry Corsten, “Out of the Blue.”
It felt reinvigorating.
On Saturday, the hubby gifted me four hours of free time by taking T to the movie and I napped and watched TV (I highly recommend new horror film, “Barbarian” – so good!).
On Sunday, I returned the favour by going on a hike with T at the Bluffs.
The weather was lovely, probably the last 2022 weekend when we could wear shorts.
It was calming to hear the waves.
Tonight, I made a thank you meal for the hubby, one of his favourites: chicken parmesean.
Like chicken soup, making it was good for the soul.
Thank you for these helpful self care tips and the music is so energetic I love it.
Thank you! 😊 Trance music is so uplifting and euphoric. I recommend exploring more of it if you’re interested!
Yes I love trance, house, pop and that type of music however for some reason it’s been a while since I’ve listened to any so I’m glad I came across this. I have some playing now.
If you haven’t looked up his work, Ferry Corsten is amazing. Such uplifting trance. House music is great too!
I’ll definitely check it out.
Great Advice – and You and the hubby are an amazing team!
Thanks Vickie. A nice message on my Friday morning start to the work day. Have a nice weekend!
I love how you and your husband work as a team, and this doesn’t mean both of you always have to work at the same time. It’s rather you know when to let the other rest a little bit and have a quiet moment alone. It’s getting colder over there and here (although it’s more because of the incessant rain we get almost everyday in my part of the world). But that means more snuggle time! 😀
Thank you Bama! Team work really helps us get through the insanity of some of the days. And rest and self care are so important on this journey.
How come does it get in Indonesia? What’s considered winter there? And yes, snuggle times are always the best. 🙂
Enjoy your weekend. I think you’ve started yours already. Our Friday work day is just getting started over here. 🙂
In general, dry season runs from April to October, and rainy season from November to March. But the past two years have been wetter than usual because of La Niña.
You too, Ab!
I have been loving all this fog from all these warm days and cool nights we’ve been having this past week. It does look very spooky. I like that it’s provided inspiration for your post about foggy moments and how sometimes your view or path forward is obstructed. But, with time (and some sunshine), it does dissipate. It’s great to hear that you’ve been taking advantage of this fabulous fall weather and went for a hike at the Bluffs. It looks like you were the only ones there at the beach, which is such a rarity.
Thanks Linda. The fall fog has indeed been so nice to wake up to. And the morning frost coating the grass.
The bluffs were quiet during our visit. We weren’t the only ones but definitely got to spread out very nicely. Hope you two are enjoying fall weather too!
What a fantastic picture Ab!!!!! I’m sorry things haven’t been looking up, hope they get better soon. What a nice hubby to give you 4 hours of R & R. Your chicken Parmesan looks delicious!
Thanks Diane. Things always come in cycles so if there’s a down there’s an up surely in its way again. 🙂
The chicken parm did turn out ok! I forgot to put olive oil on it before I cooked it. Oh well. Next time. 😆
I read that wrong, I thought your hubby made it. Anyway, love your socks too!
Wow what a photo. I so understand what your saying there .
Thanks Gary. I know you can relate. And hopefully the fog dissipates on your end soon! 🙏
We are having such a glorious November, aren’t we?
It’s been a glorious past weekend. I did look ahead and we’re getting below zero weather starting next week. Boo.
Do you have any more northern Ontario trips planned?
We just came back from another north Michigan trip, but will hold off until it warms up. Next mini trip is to Toronto 🙂
Can’t wait to read your recap!
When are you coming to Toronto? What’s the occasion?
Going to be there on Wed-Thu. Bank in North York, Consulate on Bloor street, nephew visiting from Israel in Vaught. I am kind of dreading the trip downtown…not used to the crazy traffic anymore 🙂
Enjoy your short visit! I’ll be at work. 😆 Otherwise would love to say hello. Enjoy the drive. Even as someone who lives in Toronto, the downtown drive is always a nightmare. At least there’s no deer!
Haha, true! Yeah, would have loved to meet up, but you can always come to Sudbury…hmm, Sarnia 🙂
What an eerie picture at the top – and I love how you tie it in with life’s moments when we feel disoriented and unclear. Such a great list of ways to get back into regulation and help the fog to pass.
And I’d never heard of trance music and liked Out of the Blue.
Shorts in November – amazing! Great hike, good workouts, Chicken Parmesan, naps – sounds like a great weekend!
Thanks Wynne. You know how much I love my metaphors. 🙂 It’s going to be below zero this time next week so definitely the final shorts weather weekend of the year. Have a great week ahead!
You do make some awesome metaphors!
Below zero?? Holy crap. Thank goodness you made the best of shorts weather. Happy Monday!
I can totally relate to this as I too lately have been experiencing the “fog” resulting in me taking a few days off work.
Our list are also similar (minus the exercise), but I’ll get to it eventually. I’m happy that you have the strength to snap out of that fog & turn to self care & thanks for the scripture. I needed it to the point I read it 3 times.
Have a great week ahead Ab!
Thank you, Tammy. I hope the fog has lifted on your end. Taking a few days to yourself sounds like a sensible approach to me. Hope it made the difference. Have a great week ahead too!