The Whipping Winds of West Texas

Happy 2021, everyone! I took a much needed break from everything for the past few weeks — including my blogging. Now that I am back in Texas to begin another semester of teaching, it is time to resume my writing. I have a plan to be more consistent in my posts, but we all know how “the best laid plans” sometimes turn out. Anyway, I thought I would kick things off by sharing a funny moment from my life that happened this week.

On Wednesday afternoon, I made my way to my bank. I don’t visit the branch very often because I handle most of my banking electronically. Recently, the banking app on my phone has been possessed and won’t let me in. (That’s an entirely different story.) I had received a gift for Christmas that I needed to deposit as well as the December pay check from my church gig. The gift check was safely tucked away in my wallet. I removed the church’s large check from the envelope, detached the stub, put on my mask, and prepared to get out of my car and go inside.

Winter in West Texas can change on a dime. It had been chilly most of the day, so I was wearing my winter coat. The wind had blown earlier that morning, but nothing too outrageous. I had even noticed on my drive to the bank that the light breeze that was blowing at the moment was gently swaying the trees and looked rather refreshing.

All of that changed in a moment. As I got out of the car, a HUGE gust of wind came out of nowhere. The car door was forced shut when I noticed something flutter by my face. That’s when I looked at my hand and saw that I was holding a tattered corner of the check — and nothing more! The parking lot was fairly empty, but I didn’t see the check anywhere. I looked under the car, under the wipers, and in the door itself. No check! That’s when I started to look around the edges of the bank, in the shrubs, anywhere that I thought the paper might have gotten caught. I’m sure the employees inside thought I was casing out the joint.

I went inside to deposit the Christmas gift that was in my wallet. (Thankfully, it was the larger of the two checks and made it safely into my account!) The teller had noticed me outside and asked what I was looking for. As I told her the story, she just shook her head and told me that other customers had shared similar accounts in the days prior. So somewhere in Plainview, it appears that there are a few checks floating around that have been ripped from unsuspecting hands.

Looking back on it now — it is humorous. In the moment….not so much! I dreaded telling the church staff that the check would not be clearing their account any time soon. As I shared the story, they laughed with me. Graciously, the check will be re-issued (which I did not expect at all and am most appreciative about).

From now on, I’ll keep my eyes peeled for unexpected gusts of winds and make sure that I have a firm grasp on those things that are of greatest value! Hopefully, I’m done with unexpected gusts overturning my apple cart for a while. (I’m not sure that we’re still talking about a lost check anymore….) It’s time for some calmer weather here on the “Plains of Texas.”

~Kennith

The Return of My Winter Visitor

Winter is officially here. Days get cold and the skies turn dark. Typically, I get sick early in the season. Nature is dormant and all of the world seems dead. Everything we see encourages us to huddle inside in our desperate attempt to stay warm.

Winter also means that it is time to return to Texas. It is time to leave the comfort of home and the joy of the holidays. For weeks, I have been surrounded by the lights of the tree, the relaxed pace of Christmas vacation, fulfilling dinners with the family, and the warmth of the family hearth. Now it’s time to exchange all of the activity for a quiet apartment and nights alone.

It is time for the annual appearance of my least favorite visitor — Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD). Like many who have battled depression, January tends to be a difficult month for me. The struggle continues until Spring begins to appear and life returns to the world. Thankfully, I have learned to manage my struggle over the years. Here are some of the things that I have found most helpful in dealing with Seasonal Depression. 

• Acknowledge that you have a problem. Depression is no longer a taboo topic and does not carry the stigma it once did. Neither is it an illness that one simply has to “deal with.” Help is available — ranging from medication to talk therapy. As soon as you admit that you need help and begin to seek it out, you are on the path to recovery.
• Stay connected. Depression will cause us to want to withdraw from connecting with people. Part of the recovery process involves being very intentional in maintaining contact with friends and family. Friends and family aren’t around? There are other ways to be around people that share common interests — get involved in a local church body, volunteer with a service organization, or join a community group.
• Escape the cold! Winter weather and the absence of light can often be a trigger for those who suffer with SAD. Try escaping virtually through a book, movie, or music. Look for warm weather settings or things that remind you of summer memories. If possible, try to take a mini-vacation to a warmer climate or an interesting locale. Every year, I intentionally schedule a weekend getaway in the middle of January.  This year, I’m joining a few friends in southern California for a mental health escape.
• Don’t underestimate the power of being cozy. Sweaters, warm jackets, scarfs, and favored blankets can help to change your mood quickly simply by providing some physical warmth. The extra weight can remind the sufferer of a hug, providing comfort in challenging moments. Monitor your mood (and the weather!) and make wardrobe choices that will provide you extra comfort on those days you need it most.
• Count down to enjoyable events. Sometimes it can seem that things will never change during the cold winter months. I find it helpful to look forward to several upcoming events that I’m excited about during the season. These might include trips as well as movie releases, family holidays, and other events. Keep the countdown in a visible place that you will see daily and make it part of your daily routine.
• Notice change as it occurs. There is nothing better than seeing signs that life is returning to the natural world. Even if you are not typically a “lover of nature” (I’m not!), it can be very helpful to notice the signs that Spring is coming. Watch for the first buds on the trees. Listen for the return of the birds’ songs. Feel the gradual warming of the breeze. 

I must tell you that these tips are based simply in my personal experiences. If possible, you should seek out the advice of a medical professional as you deal with Seasonal Affect Disorder and other forms of Depression. Regardless of what your struggle is, know that there is hope and help available for you.