The doldrums of a Maine winter can be especially difficult for veterans as they follow the fast paced and emotion filled holidays. It is therefore important to establish a daily winter routine that is spiritually, emotionally, physically and socially fulfilling, given the seasonal malaise that many of us suffer here.
First, allow me to establish that the title of this article is not intended to diminish in any way the magic of the holiday season. I love Christmas and have many treasured memories of this time of the year. Still, everybody knows that “The Holidays” can be an incredibly emotionally charged season. We find ourselves awash in feelings stimulated by the familiar sounds, smells and visions of nearly everything that surrounds us. We attach sentimental value to childhood ornaments and the sweet melodies of Christmas past. This seasonal minefield can be hard to navigate in that it reminds of the empty spaces left behind and the passing of time in their vacuous absence.
As we have retired and grown older, many of the biorhythmic family traditions of Christmas have changed with the growing independence of our children or the loss of loved ones. Like all aspects of retirement, we must adapt and evolve our rituals, habits and routines to match our current conditions. Let us resist the tendency to cling to old traditions that do not fit our lives anymore. We can find great joy and satisfaction in creating new activities that better fit our retired lifestyles and changing family circumstances.
My life has changed tremendously since the boys were young and I have left the military. The departure from my beloved profession alone has changed my routines in that I no longer attend Christmas parties and other seasonal celebrations associated with being an Army Officer. Like many other traditions that have faded from my Christmas Season, I grieved their departure and struggled to let them go as a hopeless clinger to nostalgia. I overcame this sense of loss with a simple ritual that I perform every Christmas Eve just before I go to bed. It the stillness of the Silent Night, I walk out into the night air where I can see the same stars that I have seen every night of my life in places all over the world and under a wide variety of circumstances. In this moment, I find a comfortable place to kneel and I bow my head before God to thank Him for the countless blessings of my life and for the treasures he has heaped upon my table. I remember the people, places and moments that will forever return to me on this night as happy thoughts in their best light and as the true stitches in the fabric of my life. When I have finished this prayer, I stand and again look into the endless sparkle of the Maine starlight, forever grateful in the moment. This re-invention aspect of establishing our “new normal” extends to our ongoing evolution after the holidays as well.
Now that the New Year has arrived, we must turn to face the remaining three months of snow and ice in Maine. During the post-holiday cathargy (new word), one must establish a new daily routine with purpose and a daily victory to remain positive and motivated. What that looks like for me is an early rise, reading the news with coffee in front of the fire, my morning “staff meeting” with Wendy, then fresh air, chores and exercise (walking or skiing) all following a good breakfast. It also means fly tying, trip planning/business management for this coming season, writing, ice fishing with my family or visiting friends to remain connected with those I love. Evening falls with homework assistance for Orin, monopoly or cribbage, more fly tying, history reading and a soft bed. It’s a busy, daily schedule that keeps me healthy, wealthy and wise and in the company of good people that contribute to a positive, uplifting world view.
In closing, it is not too early to begin planning for spring and summer activities as a motivator to push through the winter months ahead. We always need something to which we can look forward and now is the time to begin that visualization and preparation to make it real. The winter in Maine is truly a beautiful and magical season that can only be truly experienced in the outdoors. While a cozy reading chair in front of the fire and good company bring great comfort to the soul, remember the many healthy aspects of movement in the outdoor sanctuary as integral components of our personal resiliency. Go outside, every day. You’ll always be better for it in nearly every aspect of your health.
Hang tough, friends. Never forget how loved, appreciated and cherished you are in this often-dark world. The light of your life as essential to the spectrum of this creation as every glimmering star on a prayerful Christmas Eve.
Love, your friend,
Jack
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