Can you even get your inner dog to play one last time?
We’re approaching the end of the dog days of summer. Feeling how I’m feeling today makes me wonder if the expression shouldn’t instead be known as “the dog daze” of summer?
The dog daze would naturally occur during the dog days, of course. But it would be what you call that feeling you get near the end of the stretch.
It’s when those endless summer desires have faded into being just plain tired.
Many of us have been through different trials depending on where we’re living. Have you had enough yet? Are you looking for a change?
Summer, in all her glory, sure can deliver a punch at times.
Did you see any of the footage from all the wildfires burning throughout the western third of the States? My heart goes out to everyone going through that experience.
Then there’s hurricane Lane in the Pacific. Somewhere else, there’s drought while another place is flooding. In between, some tornadoes are blowing things around.
For those of us in the Mid-Atlantic, it’s been ridiculously humid all summer long. But I’ll gladly take it, because I know so many others have been through the wringer this summer. A little extra sweat is not anything to whine about.
The dog daze isn’t about whether it’s been too hot, or too dry, or too whatever. Most of that comes with the season.
You know it’s coming, and you just need to get through it.
And if you think about it, it’s not a lot different than a winter that refuses to let go. Just a different temperature.
It starts to wear on us… we’re ready for a change. Depending on the severity of your daze, it can seem like a very long time. We’ve had as much fun as we can handle, haven’t we?
So, we all have our favorite seasons, our favorite times of year. And naturally, they’re not all the same.
Whether you’re a full blown four-seasons type or you live in one of those two-season meccas, the change of season is the kind of change everyone seems to automatically accept… even look forward to.
Wow, a change we look forward to! Who let that happen?
That’s as if there were a choice. And, maybe it’s why. That we have no choice in the matter.
For me, the Fall or Autumn if you prefer, is the one I always look forward to. It’s clearly my favorite.
It could be because it’s rooted in the new school year of days gone by. By now, we should realize that we never really let go of those times. If we even could… or if we wanted to, for that matter.
Feelings of summer coming to an end,
No matter how much we wished they wouldn’t.
Accepting the time has come and gone,
Until next year.
Anticipation of something new and something familiar comes at the same time…
Autumn can be a time of rebirth and a refreshing, healthy change… of getting into a different rhythm, a different pace. Cool, crisp mornings and warm, sunny afternoons. What could be better?
It’s comforting to know the dog daze is coming to an end… time to think about taking some new “classes.” Metaphorically, or not. It’s a familiar place. And in its own way, at just the right time and not a day too soon.
Hang on… a change is near.
Read where “dog days” have nothing to with a a dog dozing, but with a constellation in our sky now.
Just saying.
Thanks, Lou… that’s dog “daze” not dog “doze.” But I’m going to plead poetic license in any case. I appreciate the insight and I always appreciate having you as a reader. Thanks for keeping me on my toes!
Hey Jeff,
Love your posts. I find it esaier to get through the dog daze by challenging myself and find new ways to think. So many people cling to the space of comfort zones even when faced with threat. They slam a door to escape from the darkness when it might be smarter to carefully to explore the darkness and connect with it so that it can be understood and is no longer a threat.
Thanks Anoop! So glad you enjoy the posts… that means a lot to me. That’s a very thought provoking comment. Explore and connect as a way to understand… I like that!