Therapy has its place in our lives. When everything falls apart, sometimes we need a little help sorting out the pieces. It’s up to us to provide the glue.

One of the things I absolutely love about TOW-Wanda is she has big windows strategically placed. I can hand grind and prepare my French-pressed coffee in the morning, prop up my pillows and get back in bed. I always try to park with the best views out the biggest window. I watch the light change, listen to the wind in the trees, and soak every ounce of nature’s beauty into the marrow of my bones. I always keep binoculars, a camera, and my journal within easy reach. Once the chill is off the morning, I hike, fish, drive, or just sit by a rushing stream. I try not to have an agenda unless I have a destination in mind.

Last fall, I had to find a place to park TOW-Wanda. I really wanted to keep her at home with me but I ran out of time to prepare a parking spot for her. She’s out on a mesa near the airport. Not bad views either. I go out when I can and hike through the snow to reach her. She’s well insulated and if the sun is shining, I can stay pretty warm under the covers. I’ve been known to go out after church, crawl in bed with a good book, and take a nap. While I may not be lost in the woods, I’m in an environment that nurtures the same feelings and I always feel like I’ve had a vacation afterwards…even if it’s only been a couple of hours.

Get outside. Take a walk. Feel the sun or wind or even just snow on your face. If you are grieving in the winter, you have the added challenge of dark, dismal days. Feed the birds and watch them. Force bulbs in pots on the windowsill. Plant grass seed in planters so you can run your fingers through it. Pets are perfect. They sooth your soul. If you aren’t up to having a pet, visit a local animal rescue. They can always use extra hands. And fear not….Spring will be here soon. Just hang in there. You’re doing really hard work. We’ll get through this.