influence

I’m writing a little later than usual because I went out for a run this morning.  I had committed to myself yesterday that I would get out. And doing it first thing in the morning is the best way to keep a commitment.

The sun was just starting to rise as I began my run.

It has been a dreary winter in southeastern Wisconsin this year.  We’ve had twice as much rain as snow, so everything is brown.  We’ve only had five sunny days this month, and most of those didn’t last the entire day.  If you live here and wonder why you’ve been feeling down, now you know why.  Even as I write this, the sun has already gone away today as we prepare for a winter storm.

I’ve realized in recent years what an influence the sun (and warm weather) have on my mood and well-being. We all like sunny days, but they are like a miracle drug for me.  The exercise felt good since I’ve been sick for most of this month.  The sunrise was beautiful pinks and blues.  Whatever it is that makes contrails was in place today, they were crisscrossing the sky (thank you everyone who is going to work without pay so that everyone else’s life can go on as normal).

It was beautiful, and I felt good.  Those 50 minutes will positively influence the rest of my day.

What influences your mood and well-being?  Are your influencers positive or do they impact you negatively?

In many ways, we are in a season of dreariness, wondering when we will next see the sun.  I can choose to focus on the dreary or I can look for the sun – even if it’s only a glimpse before the clouds return.  In the same way, we can choose to be the dead, frozen ground or the shining sun to others. How will use your influence?

The sun shall no longer be
     your light by day,
nor for brightness shall the moon
     give light to you by night;
but the LORD will be your everlasting light,
     and your God will be your glory. – Isaiah 60:19 (NRSV)

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It’s Friday!  That means a five-minute free write on today’s prompt.  You can read more great Five Minute Friday posts here.