At the beginning of November, I started a #shortdayschallenge on Instagram. The purpose: to increase my appreciation of the blessings of each day--even through the coldest, shortest days. I wanted to avoid my common habit of wishing the winter away, which can mean missing out on little pleasures and living in a sour state of mind for weeks on end.
Did it work? For the most part, I would say yes, posting about a special thing each day helped me better appreciate the season. Admittedly, this particular winter with its deep polar vortex and erratic temperature and weather changes has been tough. But the #shortdayschallenge did help.
Now that the challenge is completed, I'm cutting back on social media for a
bit--not an official break, but a slowdown. I have some good reasons.
One reason is this little fellow--our new little cockapoo puppy, Nicholas. He's really smart and he's catching on quickly to all things puppies need to learn. I'm trying to savor the time with him as a puppy. It will pass too fast.
Also, I need to get going with some seed-starting! Spring will be here before we know it, and I hope to have some healthy starts to plants for the potager garden. Other family events are keeping me busy, too. So, I apologize for not being as attentive with visits and comments on your posts for a few weeks. Time to prepare for the growing season ahead!
Your pictures are nice. They will remind you of this unusually cold snowy winter later. I don't do Instagram so I haven't seen these.
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable puppy. What a big name for such a little puppy, Nicholas. He will no doubt grow into it. You are brave getting a puppy at such a snowy cold time of year. I bet he will learn to love hiking with you. You will have such good times together. I wonder what that orange cat thinks about such a creature in his territory???
Keep warm and get those seeds planted!
Thank you, Lisa. I guess it is a big name. :) We have many nicknames already for him, too. Nicky is probably the one we use the most, along with Nicholas. Yes, potty training right now is challenging, but he's doing very well. We're looking forward to the warmer weather for hikes. The cat and the dog are tolerating each other--not best friends yet. ;-)
DeleteI enjoyed your shortdays post on Instagram and think I need to take a similar approach to deal more positively with our midsummer misery. Nicholas is absolutely adorable and deserves all the attention you can give him.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kris. Your temperatures in midsummer are cooler than ours, believe it or not. That is the kind of weather I like. LOL. Nicholas is a sweet, smart pup and we are very happy.
DeleteSo glad this excercise of daily appreciation worked. In these difficult days, I think it's so important to practice appreciation. Love the photos, but that puppy! I wish I could hold him--darling! I'm missing having a dog, but don't think I'm quite ready for another. Nice post, Beth!
ReplyDeleteHi Tina: If you lived closer, I'd say come on over! I'm trying to get Nicholas more socialized, but he's at the tough age (9 weeks now) when he hasn't had all his vaccinations yet. He's a very good dog and learning and growing fast!
DeleteCool...all around cool. xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gail. Life is good. :)
DeleteI enjoyed your photos through the challenge. I remember posting photos everyday for the month of November and I thought that was challenging. Enjoy your time with your fur baby. He will grow up quickly. I love their puppy breath and tiny paws.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karin. Yes, everything puppy is special--even the middle-of-the-night potty breaks, because they look at you with those trusting eyes. He's a really smart little guy!
DeleteI loved your #shortdayschallenge posts. It's so easy to get bummed out in our climate at this time of year. But, a puppy -- well, that's worth a slow down. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary. It was a good exercise for coping with our endless winter--especially this one. The puppy is kind of an unintentional/intentional reward. He's a smart, sweet little guy. :)
DeleteYour little puppy is adorable- take lots of pictures- he will grow quickly! Sow your seeds and enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI need to get out my good camera while he's really little. It seems like he's growing in front of my eyes. Can't wait to get started with the seeds, too.
DeleteI enjoyed your #shortdaychallenge on IG.
ReplyDeleteNicholas, I just love his name, and that smile he is sharing with us.
Have Fun!
Carla
Thanks, Carla. Nicholas has very trusting eyes. He's learning more tricks every day and starting to assert his independence. ;-)
DeleteNicholas is a beauty, and such elegant curls.
ReplyDeleteHe's a handsome guy and has a sweet personality. :)
Deletecongratulations! (to you too Nicholas :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hollis. He's keeping us busy--very smart and fun little guy!
DeleteIt's time for me to start some seeds also! Which ones do you plant earliest?
ReplyDeleteI don't do a ton of winter starts, Jason. I've been growing herbs and lettuce all winter, with mixed results. I'll start the annual seeds and the Dahlia tubers next, and then I'm going to try some tomatoes from seed for the first time this year.
DeleteYour little dog is adorable, he will keep you happy for many years. Good luck with the seed sewing, I too have decided to grow from seed this year.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your break, the trick is to never feel guilty about not being on social media platforms.
Amanda xx
Thanks, Amanda. Nicholas is a sweetheart, for sure, and learning tons of tricks. Good luck with your seed-starting, too! I generally don't feel guilt about cutting back on social media, but I do sometimes suffer from "fear of missing out." ;-)
DeleteTwo good reasons to stay off the computer. Really hoping it starts to warm up and melt soon.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, I hope it warms up soon, too. This coming week will be cold, but there's some hope for the weeks after that! Fingers crossed!
DeleteSowing day is coming soon...
ReplyDeleteIt has begun. We are happy. :)
DeleteI'm late coming to your short day challenge, but I love the idea. Such a prompt might slow down my complaints about how all the snow is going to turn into a flood in the garden. But the skies are blue and bright today, the breezes are dancing and all is well with the world. All day.
ReplyDeleteGoodness. :) We are firmly in springtime now. The temperatures are fluctuating between normal and warm. The seeds are started and the migrating birds are returning. Spring is exciting! (I think I'll do the #shortdayschallenge again next year. It helped with the winter blahs.)
DeleteIt is a busy season, and with a very cute, new puppy, too! I imagine your days are full to the brim. Best wishes for a spring overflowing with blessings!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deb. Yes, it's kind of busy around here lately. But in a good way. :)
DeleteHooray for a new puppy! Your home must be full of laughter and joy watching his antics. Beautiful winter images but I'm glad that the season is over!
ReplyDeleteYes, much joy and spring is here! Cheers, Peter!
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