Here we are at the end of June, and some days it feels like winter isn't over yet. I'm talking to lots of people who are privately having a hard time coping. When it's sunny and warm, it feels 'right'. But then we get another cool, rainy, clammy day and I'm reminded that this is familiar, it has been since last Thanksgiving, and it completely erases the memory of that bright thing up in the sky. 

How can we manage this? I have some ideas:

First of all, keep your D up. I stopped taking my vitamin D supplement because, well, it's summertime now, right? Turns out no, not really. So the last few weeks I've been taking it again, and what a difference! I take a chewable tablet right now, but have done drops and liqui-gels and sprays. Find the kind you're most likely to actually use- compliance is everything. 

Next, seize the sun when it's there. When it gets bright out I'll force myself to weed, or read outside, or do anything in the fresh air, irrespective of what else is on my to-do list. Even short bursts outside help remind your brain of our place on the year's wheel, and getting hot and muddy and bug-bitten makes those cool days feel like some relief! Being uncomfortable is not the worst thing in the world, either, so go with it. 

Finally, try to re-frame your perspective. Years ago I heard Dr Dan Gottlieb on NPR talking to a caller about her depression. She had described feeling crushed, like a weight pushing her to the ground. His response was seared into my memory: Instead of being crushed, imagine the Earth holding you up, like a gentle hand cupping you until you are strong enough to stand on your own. The vision I have of this is way beyond my pathetic art skills but if I could draw you a picture, you'd hang it on your wall. I just love it.

But what about the HERBS?! I hear you cry in dismay. An Herbalist without herbal suggestions? Well, sure, herbs are great too. Herbs that help nerves, and are sunshiny, like Lemon Balm or St John's Wort or even hemp oils, would be great too. Remember though, herbs aren't like pharmaceuticals. They are only part of the solution. We are empowered to help ourselves, with herbs adding to the overall picture.  This is one of those situations where your choices clearly impact your wellness. Use your power!

I recently spent a weekend in Lancaster PA, and several people have asked all about the attractions. So here's the itinerary, for all who are curious!

Green Dragon Market- source of great furniture and great shoo-fly pie, from the Mennonites in the back
Town of Lititz- great walking around, shops, Sturgis pretzel museum
Amish Farm and House Tours- we did the house tour- SO MUCH cool information- and saw everything on the farm
Fillmore Containers- be still my heart. New drinking lids, new jars, and a countertop water dispenser are now safely at my house.  
National Watch and Clock Museum- VERYVERYVERY interesting. Could have spent way more time there (get it?!)
Columbia Riverfront Park- near the museum, it's a big river, nice picnic lunch spot. 
Rock Ford Plantation- we went during their May Day celebration, with costumed actors and lots of interesting details, inside and out
King's Herb Nook- I LOVE this place. Bulk herbs, plants, soaps, books, and an outhouse. 
Stoudt's/Black Angus Steak House- the PA Dutch food. The beer. And check out the men's room- I'm serious!
Wilbur Chocolate- when in Lancaster...
Discover Lancaster- the resource I used to find almost all of this