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Fighting the “January Blues”

Fighting the “January Blues”

Around this time of year, most people find it fairly easy to slip into the so called “January blues.” The holidays are over, vacation time has run out, and all of the excitement of the New Year has subsided by now. For many parts of the country – definitely here in Chicago – the days are cold and darkness comes far too quickly each night.

In addition to the settling back into the regular grind, this time can often be a fairly lonely one. I know many of us in the Lutheran Volunteer Corps community likely have made voyages home over the last few months for the holidays. Whether for merely a weekend or a week or more, many Volunteers have had the opportunity to travel to wherever holds importance to them. Maybe it was your hometown, college town, or someplace entirely new with people you love. We’ve had time to reconnect with friends, family, significant others, and other loved ones that we may be far from this year with LVC. After this period of fellowship and intimacy, it can be startling to return to our respective LVC communities and jobs. In truth, this time of coming “back to reality” can be quite isolating.

While it can be easy to lose joy this time of year, warmth and comfort can continue to be found in the beauty of the things that surround you. For me, I’ve been warmed by the community of my LVC house here in Chicago, Casa Oscar Romero. Although my biological family and close friends are no longer with me physically, I find comfort in knowing my Casa housemates are here for and with me. Here, I am invited to be a part of an intentional, closely bonded community where I am welcomed and accepted exuberantly.

Here are just some of the ways I’ve seen and experienced community in Casa Oscar Romero so far:

-Bringing home chocolate ice cream

-Sharing whatever food has been prepared with others (“Have you eaten dinner yet?”)

-Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. competitions

-Random “You can do it! I believe in you!” text messages

-Washing someone’s dishes for them

-Folding someone’s laundry for them

-Supporting each other during mental health struggles

-Practicing both sympathy and empathy

-Supporting each other’s organizations

-Contributing ingredients to make one communal meal

-Getting excited about Netflix shows together

-Laughing about cereal box characters

-Getting acquainted with others’ loved ones (whether virtually or in person)

-Sharing a glass of wine together

All in all, I have been able to feel the warmth of community this month, despite the freezing temperatures outside and though the holidays have come and gone. Though the “January blues” are a constant possibility, I have managed to fight them off and stay warm through the embrace of my Casa community this month.

 

Blessings,

Casa Oscar Romero

2019-01-30
By: Jamie Ulrich
On: January 30, 2019
In: Volunteer Blog
Tagged: Chicago, ELCA, Volunteer
Previous Post: New Year’s Resolutions vs. Intentionality
Next Post: Winter Warmth at Wellstone

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Our Spring Retreat was one for the record books for SO many reasons... but especially because we closed out the weekend with a discussion with LVC alum, Mary Merkley, and her husband, Senator Jeff Merkley. 🌟Ms. Merkley spoke about the future of our country and how the LVC helped shape her vision of a kinder, more equitable community for every person in the U.S.. πŸ’šWe are grateful to the Merkleys for their participation and to our Board member, John Carr, for arranging the discussion. Special thanks also go to Andrew McIlroy and Brian Schuh for hosting our closing dinner. 🍽️ ... See MoreSee Less

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Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC)

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Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC)
Low cost of living? βœ…High population of young adults? βœ…Safe haven for the LGBTQIA+ community? βœ…Friendly people and community culture? βœ…Thrifts, museums, festivals, and free public concerts? βœ…We'd say "we told you so" when it comes to Pittsburgh, but honestly? The best way to learn about this local culture is to experience it yourself!We are still accepting applications for our NEW Pittsburgh Placements! We at LVC are honored to be partnered with The Forbes Funds for this exciting expansion!We’ve got three professional sports teams to root for. A strong economy fueled by robotics. And a cultural scene that deserves a standing ovation.But what makes Pittsburgh really special is that you can actually afford to live here, according to a marketing firm that ranks cities’ livability.Livability.com has named the Steel City one of its Top 100 Best Places to live in 2025 β€” a city where you can buy a home, build a career and have enough disposable income left over to splurge on game tickets, craft beer and pierogis.Read more: www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2025/04/25/pittsburgh-best-cities-to-live/stories/20250... ... See MoreSee Less

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