Come rain or shine, snow or sleet...

“Rain or shine, snow or sleet,” I’m proud to say, has been my winter walking motto for years. When friends complain of the cold or nasty weather and turn their backs on a walk, I am quick to make a remark about a lack of inner determination, spirit or hardiness.

Without a car, I walk, use public transport or Communauto - a local car share program. This means that I'm outdoors a lot and need the right combo of clothes to battle the frequent changes in temperature and conditions within a day. 

Well, how the zealous fall! As the wind blows colder this November, I can’t stop complaining about:

• Being cold
• The total effort required to match inner and outer wear, to type of weather and occasion
  
• The layering that weighs me down
• The flattening of my hair
  
• How I want to leave and be somewhere warm for the winter

“Your rants on being cold are a bit tiring," my husband remarked. I asked for his patience and said, “I need a few more weeks of griping and then, I’ll have a handle on it."  

The idea of granting myself a short-term and time-limited break to work my way up to a more positive state of mind seemed like a smart idea. I wasn't ready to give up whining just yet.

If you need a bit of time to: 

• Re-direct your energy and find an alternative way to view a problem
• Regain a more positive attitude about something you have no control over
  
• Seek out perspectives, insights and observations from another person about a problem
• Integrate new points of view into your life
• Set aside a “problem or concern” with the hope that it will lose its grip on you
• Conceive of and develop a new plan, approach or attitude

I’d say, go for it!  
A planned break used wisely can kick-start you back on track, set you straight and give you the wherewithal to make a new choice about how you want to be and feel. 

If you feel you’ve been making excuse after excuse about why you can’t do something you want to do, it’s time to take a short term, limited break and regain control over your thoughts. 

Keep me posted,

Coach Minda