Writing to Winter: December 23rd

Dear Winter,

For me, any day in which I don't help others is a day wasted. I guess in some ways I thrive of helping others because I don't ever want anyone to be left struggling. But I also love the way that you can learn from others and help them to learn from themselves. 

During the Christmas period my burning desire to help others is strengthened. There are some people living in  appauling conditions meaning that they won't be able to completely enjoy Christmas this year. Whether it be down to a family crisis, illness, poverty or anything else, Christmas should be a happy and joyful time! So when I was told that over the Christmas period volunteers weren't expected to volunteer at the hospital I was a little saddened. I had a few chats with my boss and managed to change my days to suit the bank holidays that we have so went in today. 

At the hospital, it isn't suddenly any less busy just because it's Christmas, in fact, quite the contrary happens; the chaos is amplified. Being back there reminds me of my Christmas hospital fun a couple of years ago! But being able to help, to ease the load on others is just what I love doing. I'm going to keep being myself and help others right through the holidays Winter, and I hope you will do the same.

Keep smiling,

Kathryn x

Writing to winter: December 22nd

Dear Winter,

Today was the first day that I could properly just relax. I've been working all weekend but now it's the holidays so I have no commitment to leave my bed. That said, I still woke up at 7am and by eight o'clock I was already bored of doing nothing. In the end I went shopping to get the last bits we needed before Christmas and, if there's one thing to learn from that experience, don't do it again so close to Christmas!

ASDA was packed. I was beginning to feel sorry for sardines! People were trying to rush everywhere yet it was virtually at a standstill and what should have taken less than an hour ended up taking three. It wasn't great for anxiety reasons either; so many people pushing and shoving can start to make you feel a little bit overwhelmed. I then returned home to find a nice little list of chores that needed doing.

Oh Winter, I've come to the conclusion that I can't have a day of rest; it's not in my character at all. Every time I try to sit and relax or do nothing my mind wanders, finds me something to do and sooner or later I end up with five hundred thousand things to do. Tasks seem to follow me around and pat me on the shoulder when they need doing. But is that such a bad thing Winter? It annoys me a little bit but is it just a sign of being well disciplined, or is it being obsessive?

Keep smiling,

Kathryn x