I headed outside for a walk with a physical ache in my behind and an emotional ache in my heart. The combination has given me the blues as of late. As I walked down Myrtle Place with the tall oaks shading the street, I wrapped my coat tighter around my neck to keep out the cool breeze.
Many people get the blues from time to time. So much is going on in the U.S. now with the upcoming election, the coronavirus that is spreading, injustices in our country and around the world. It is tough for me and maybe for you to sustain a positive outlook.
Then I saw my friend Danna walking her dog Phoebe and she turned around and joined me so we could walk and talk together. We talked about our health, the upcoming primaries and how we and others we know might vote, what we are reading, our plans for the weekend, and how well Phoebe was walking without sniffing every few feet.
As I separated from Danna and Phoebe to head home, I realized that the blues had gone. I felt lighter and refreshed. I looked forward to an early dinner before heading to the Grand Opera House of the South in Crowley to see friends perform in a play they had written and to laugh and cry with them and the audience.
What do you do when you have the blues? Here are a few of my strategies, not necessarily to get rid of the blues but to notice and try to move on in due time.
Take a walk or put on some music and dance
Write in my journal
Visit with friends and try to find things to laugh about
Get out of the house to see live music, theater, art, dance
Cook and eat healthy food
The first step is to notice. What is going on for me now? What choices do I have for what I do and think? How do I want to be in this moment?
May your March moments be filled with curiosity and wonder.
Lagniappe
BB King - Why I Sing The Blues
Tuba Skinny - I Get The Blues