  Even when I was urlLink overflowing , I knew the empty days would come, and they did. I'm back on the upswing now, but for a few days there, I was low.
For a few days I couldn't bring myself to write anything except wry emails poking fun at women who have lows to women who I know had lows. But here I am, writing in the blog. See, it didn't last long. I hate low! I always suffer from that mom syndrome, the 4-6 p.m. madness, the witching hour, so to speak. But this one started one afternoon about 4 p.m. and just didn't quit. I do see the usefulness of it all.
Without the lows, there would be no highs. I can use these times to calibrate my joy. I think they're useful for calibrating other things, as well. Like friendship, as one friend stayed up late talking on the phone to me for two hours, one emailed her therapist's name and number, and another piled on judgment and negativity. I've learned to protect myself from all that is bad and sad in such times. Like politics, global news, and house guests. I'm even learning to protect myself from a strange breed of person that smells the lows on you and goes for the throat.
Instead, I wrap myself up in all that is lovely. I buy fresh flowers, cook (or eat, as John usually cooks) fresh picked vegetables, I laugh too loud and too long at silly shows on TV. I burn essential oils, dried sage, and incense through the house. I play music that takes me back to happier times. Together, these experiences protect me like a shield from the cold, bitter world. Isn't that funny?
Even in August, the world seems cold and bitter. The heat index is supposed to be 110 degrees today, and I'm still using a blanket analogy. Maybe I'm missing the onset of fall, absent here in the southern backwaters. My little Freudian slip might just be revealing a seasonal affective disorder! Ha! Well, regardless of the seasons, I also helped myself back on the road to recovery a bit by eating a huge buffalo burger.
I think our virtually-vegetarian lifestyles leave me a little anemic and when I underwent this kind of low last year it was just after going off iron, which itself was irritating my colon and preventing uptake of other essential nutrients. I've always had crazy iron issues. Whether through time or diet or a good friend, I'm happy to say I'm feeling better. All I need now is a good sunburn and I'll be cured. I'd better get it before hurricane Bonnie and her friend Charlie come to shore! 
