The weather in Washington the last few weeks has been a reprieve among reprieves. As I write this the sun is bright and the birds are loud. I cannot fully explain what I feel when I hear the birds start to sing in the morning for the first time after winter (or in this case during winter), but it is a magical moment that takes up a unique space in my soul.
Don’t get me wrong, by the time the sun starts to rise at 0500 and the birds are screaming while I’m sleeping, the magic is gone. Alas, for now I enjoy.
The days are slowly getting longer and I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. This winter was brutal and I am more than ready to say goodbye. Most days I don’t know if what I am feeling is winter related, lingering Covid fatigue, or my general malaise. It’s a weird place to be physically. Despite feeling a little slower than “normal” I am still enjoying going outside.
One of my favorite activities is walking. I could walk for hours and hours through thick trees, bustling towns, or quiet country roads. I receive a great amount of joy after going for a walk, and I am thankful to have a partner who knows this about me. Duncan accompanies me on walks even when he might not love going for them quite like I do.
The beauty of a healthy relationship, something that was foreign to me until I met Duncan, is that we don’t always do the things we enjoy. We compromise because we know it makes our partners happy, and vice versa. For me, I don’t love all of Duncan’s hobbies either, but I enjoy trying to learn about them because the joy I see on his face when he talks about them brings me genuine joy too.
We didn’t always have an easy time with this balance, it took time and lots of communication. I think communication and compromise are the backbones of a relationship and I thank God I found someone who agrees with me on this. I suppose this post is an appreciation post of sorts, appreciation for the uplifting weather, and for the person who will embark with me on many adventures to come.
With the nicer weather I am hoping and planning to get outside for one fun activity a week. Either a weekly hike, bike ride, or a walk through the woods. Some weeks I have limited energy and a walk through the woods is more than enough. I am finding that although I am a month and a half post Covid, I still get fatigued quicker, and some days I feel like I am in a constant flare.
I’m hoping by spring my energy is back to homeostasis. One day at a time.
Q: Anyone else ready for spring?
Blissfulbritt 
28 thoughts on “Light at the End”
Sheree
We all feel better in the sunshine 🌞
Brittany
I cannot wait!!
Diana
Very ready for spring! Here in Colorado, we’re currently having our coldest weather of the year.
Brittany
I suppose our trade off for living in beautiful states is cold winters? 🤪
Diana
Very true!
Liz H
One foot in front of the other.
And in the words of Winnie the Pooh (or was it Piglet?): It’s so much friendlier with two!
Brittany
Adorable. Thank you for that. ❤️
Jonathan Weathers
With the other 4000 + other people reading your blog, I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that it’s another fantastic one, in my very humble opinion, one of the best in a long time, don’t know if it the fact we are in a similar place, I have just gotten over covid, enjoying a relationship and feel as you, well done Britney and please carry on and enjoy the walks
Brittany
This was such a kind comment, I am happy it resonated with you in a few ways. Thank you for your words!
Sue Gallagher
Thanks for the share about your walks. I am inspired. Hope your energy increases day by day!
Brittany
Thank you! I hope so too.
Rootchopper
Every year around this time I think I am falling apart. Once it starts to warm up, my body and mind start to rebound and all is good. I hope this happens to you.
As bad as your winter has been it could be worse. You could be that Finnish ski racer.
Also, my son had Covid a month ago. He led some dives (he’s an instructor) and got the bends. He spent four days in hospital undergoing decompression treatments. Be thankful you can’t get the bends in the woods.
Brittany
This is what they meant when they said getting older becomes a struggle. 😅 I have high hopes for the warmth.
I feel for your son, what a brutal experience! I hope he is well on the mend now.
Rootchopper
Last we saw he was sitting in a power boat relaxing with his friends. I think he’s got the recovery vibe down.
Peg
Well, winter returned to Eastern Washington last night as it got down to the mid teens in temp, and today was below freezing all day. Tonight is supposed to be colder, so YES, I am ready for spring. But alas, we have a ways to go yet.
Brittany
I spoke too soon, it was below freezing here all day! But at least there was sun? 🤪
Peg
And…your pictures are beautiful!
Brittany
Thank you!
brittanygonzales4
Hello, I really enjoyed reading your post. I live in Washington too! I live on the beautiful Camano Island and nature therapy is a must. I came across your site after you liked my post on Once Upon the Unicorn Blues. Your blog is nice and refreshing!
Brittany
Yay fellow Washingtonian! I’ve never been to Camano Island, but I’d love to visit someday.
brittanygonzales4
You should! It is so beautiful! It is mostly neighborhoods because they want to keep it family oriented. It is nice. 😀
Buytapenta
Thank you for this post, I really enjoy the content and feeling you mention in the post. “I’m hoping by spring my energy is back to homeostasis. One day at a time.”
Brittany
Thank you for reading!
Brittany
Thank you for reading!
Allie Zottola
Communication and compromise accurately sums up so many healthy relationships! I am glad you found someone who can do both with you 🙂
Also, YAY for birds chirping and longer days. It’s breathing life into my soul, too!
Brittany
I never thought I’d be one to say this, but I’m ready for summer!
Amy
I’m blown away by how lush and green your forests are! They stand out in stark contrast to the dry desert landscape here. The main greenery we have are weeds and succulents! 😉 That’s so heartwarming, how you and Duncan learn about and participate in each other’s hobbies. Finding someone who appreciates communication, compromise, and your happiness is really special. So happy for you, Brittany!! ♡
Brittany
I don’t think I could ever live anywhere that wasn’t green. The rain and gray days can be rough, but the landscape here is so beautiful. When I make my millions perhaps I’ll have a winter home elsewhere. 😂