According to dictionary.com, the “Dog Days of Summer” are:
1. The sultry part of the summer, supposed to occur during the period of Sirius, the Dog Star, rises at the same time as the sun: now often reckoned from July 3 to August 11.
2. A period marked by lethargy, inactivity, or indolence.
The second part of the definition resonates with me. Today is another hot and sultry day, hovering around 100 degrees. There is promise of cooler days ahead, but today feels like yesterday and will feel like tomorrow. Keeping the blinds closed and the air conditioner humming along is about the best one can do.
Beyond the heat and humidity of the day, “dog days” can bring an overwhelming sense of being stuck. It takes effort to get outdoors, to run errands or to achieve much of anything. Even reading a book seems like a monumental task. I have two dogs who live with me and when I see them just sleeping, eating, and sleeping again, I sense that they personify the very essence of “lethargy, inactivity, or indolence.” The question that needs to be asked is: can I do anything to overcome the dog days of summer?
I once read that courage does not mean the absence of fear but taking action in the midst of fear. I think there is a deep truth in that. Perhaps that is the key to overcoming the sense of being stuck. I have begun a habit of writing down things that need to be accomplished during the week. When I look at the list, I do not always “feel” like accomplishing the tasks. But if I wait until I feel like doing something, I may never move out of my favorite chair.
As the saying goes “if it’s not one thing, it’s another.” Life is full of distractions, excuses and challenges that can paralyze and keep one stuck in the dog days of summer. Taking action, even if one does not feel like it, is the key to overcoming inaction.
Tomorrow is not here yet and yesterday is gone forever. But I have today. So I commit myself to not being manipulated either by outside forces or an inner sense of malaise. I can take action. How about you?
Until next time,
DP
Yep… An outstanding demonstration of Bill Wilson’s quote – “Its easier to ACT our way to better thinking, than THINK our way to better acting.” Although I must say, I’m doing more thinking than acting 🙈🙈😂😂
It’s a constant challenge!