GreenUP Cam: Surviving the dark days!

My energy level is low at the moment. The darkness of these days is creating a slow motion effect. I guess the only way to survive this season is to accept the change, enjoy the evenings by doing something that you really like. No need to go to outside for a picnic. Actually I would like to have a hot chocolate or a mug of hot soup in the middle of the woods wearing a nice, warm outfit and enjoy the real winter. Unfortunately the real winter doesn't come very often in Holland. The weather-type is quite mild here and there is not often snow. But I decided to write for myself and for you a survivor list for the darkest peek of the year. This black hole of the the winter comes yearly and it's better to try to enjoy it than let it suck you inside.

Cafe Brecht, Amsterdam

Find some new cosy cafe or go to your favourite one. Make a little escape from the reality and find something special. Read something, look at the other people and just be..

In the evening it is a good therapy to burn some candles or sit by the fireplace. Just looking at the movement of the flames is calming and gives some space to your mind. Listen to some good music, it should give the final touch.

This time of the year it is nice to have a walk in the evenings and look at the lights on the shopping streets or admire the cosy looking homes on the street level. People doesn't often have their curtains closed here in Holland and in the evenings you can have a quick look inside the beautiful homes.

The best thing in wintertime for me is a bright, cold and a snow covered landscape. I will never forget the feeling when it was so cold that it was almost difficult to breathe, and your skin started to feel numb after a few minutes being outside. The sound is also special: Hard and dry snow against the sole of your winter boots creates a sharp sound in every step you make. And sometimes the thick layer of snow is covered with the hard, icy surface and you can walk on top of it in the woods or fields. Without snow at the moment I can dream of it and always remember it. The snow was the most inspiring element for me as a child and I still enjoy building a snow castle. Remember the winters in your childhood!

Make a nice winter picnic or just drink & eat something warm outside. In this season there are some christmast markets or stands selling sausages or other warm snacks. The food always tastes good outdoors!

Go for a drink with a good friend or your partner. Just pick a day and do it. Going outside from home and talking something deep or just laughing together. Different perspective and a good moment to enjoy the charming, mystery time of the year together. Maybe someone is lonely, ask that person for a coffee or for a drink.

When life gives you a lemon, Ask for some Teguila&Salt...Then invite me over, call me!

It is very important to go outside every day! Not just walking to the bus stop or to your car. Have a walk and look around, remember to breathe the air and feel the wind. (Almost)every weather is great. I think we as a people are made to move in a landscape, not just looking at it from the Tv or from the internet. We have to use our eyes, our body and our mind in a living nature and not forget that skill to use the combination of our senses in this multidimensional reality. It is not the reality TV, it is you and me in the real world with surprises...

...Like this little inner yard called "Begijnhof" in the very centre of the Amsterdam (Spui). I had passed the entrance to this quiet open space between the shopping streets, but never really understood there could be something this nice. There was also a little church in the middle and some people are living in these cute houses. A long time ago some catholic single women called "Beguines' were living here. They were women who performed good works,like nuns, but did not want to live in a convent and therefore had not taken their vows.