Rainy Days - Forward Our Mail

simplify more:

Karen Carpenter sang, “Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.” But that doesn’t have to be the case. Rainy days have so much beauty to offer and there is an easy simplicity in them, if we open our hearts and see the majesty they hold for us.

Before we moved I often felt overwhelmed by the sheer size of our home and the never-ending list of chores. Rainy days were just another day of housekeeping or work day for me. Over time, I slowly started to recognize how much I enjoy a good rainy day… I mean, I really enjoy them. Why is that? Well, there are several reasons, and I hope that you, too, may come to love the easy simplicity of a good rainy day.

Raindrops and Pluviophiles

What exactly is a pluviophile, you ask? Collins Dictionary defines a pluviophile as “a lover of rain; someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days.” Yes, Benedict College psychology professor Tanya Bolton, says “cloudy and overcast days can cause feelings of sadness and un-motivation in many people.” That is definitely true, as well. But there are a few of us who actually enjoy a good rainy day and find joy and peace of mind in them.

I did a little research and found a great deal of visual inspiration that may help build my case. If you do a quick search on YouTube for rainy day aesthetic you will find endless videos on rainy day coffee shop ambiance. Most days, to my chagrin, you can walk into my home and find one of these videos, or ones similar to them, playing on our television. I feel completely at home in this little make-believe world, and wish to never leave it.

A Gentle Reminder to Reset

There’s nothing I love more than taking advantage of the reset a rainstorm can bring. If that rainstorm brings with it a low-ebbing thunder roll or two, then my whole world has momentarily been made complete. I believe whole heartedly in a good reset, whether it’s a monthly resolution, or the need for a fresh start, resetting gives us an opportunity to let go of anxiety for the moment and embrace a feeling of tranquility. There’s no better way to do that than with a good rainy day.

Some good rainy day reset activities I love are meal planning, organizing or decluttering my wardrobe, and journalling. I find that meal planning reduces stress surrounding meal time and decluttering my wardrobe gives me a clearer focus as I prepare for my week. Journalling clears the superfluous thoughts from my mind, and allows me to process emotions and feelings in a positive and private environment. I’ve listed some additional resources for you at the end of this article that you may find helpful.

Permission to Slow Down

There is something tranquil and relaxing about a rainy day that gives us the permission to slow down. While there is merit in running through the raindrops, there is a gentle pleasure found in a slow-paced rainy day. This takes intentionality and being present in the moment, though. I find rainy days are a good reminder to practice these routines and to do so in a slow and leisurely pace.

When walking to and from shops, I find, just pausing to put up my umbrella, don a trench coat and stroll to my vehicle is such a pleasure. I find myself always in a rush to do the next thing, complete the next errand, or finish the next task. Sometimes, I don’t even notice my surroundings or my environment. Rainy days give me permission to slow down, take it all in and soak it all up (no pun intended.)

I find that sitting with a good book, a warm beverage, or a toasty fire are much more pleasurable on a rainy day. And while this all seems so romantic or cliche, there is real truth here. Slowing down, listening to the raindrops, smelling how the air becomes clear and crisp… all of those things can only happen if you are intentional and present in the moment.

The Gift You Give Yourself

Rainy days are like birthdays or holidays; they don’t come around that often. (At least not where I live.) When a rainy day comes my way, I treat it like a surprise gift or treat.

Besides sitting with a good book, journalling, or planning, I like to work in productive slow activities I can do while listening to the rain. I’ll open the windows a crack and let in the melodic sounds of the season, change out the bed linens, add a cozy throw to snuggle into, or refresh the bathroom towels. All of these things help me feel productive and accomplish good things all while experiencing the pace of the rainy day.

I also like to take a few minutes to look through the drawers and closets, baskets and bins, and declutter those forgotten or unwanted items. Last week during a good hard downpour, I opened our bedroom windows and decluttered the cabinets beneath our bathroom counter. It was like the rain helped purge away all the unwanted, unnecessary clutter from my mind and my home.

The Easy Simplicity of Rainy Days

There is certainly an easy simplicity of a rainy day. Whether you spend it catching up on email while looking out an office window, sitting with a good book, decluttering, or intentionally slowing down during errands, I encourage you to allow a rainy day to be a gift you give yourself, and I’m sure you’ll quickly see the beauty that surrounds you.