Friday, February 28, 2014

I’ve Seen Sunshine and I’ve Seen Rain with Shaleen Kapil

I’ve spent the past month in the doldrums. For five months, I have had a foot injury that has kept me from training for the runs and triathlons that have been “my thing” for the past several years. After the holidays, the cold, dark days of January and February without a festive holiday from work seem never ending. The cold and rain kept us bundled inside wondering what to do other than watch Netflix (no cable even!) and read my stacks and stacks of books.

Today, the sun is shining and my windows are open. These open windows have opened up my heart as well. Suddenly, I am once more smiling and enjoying my family. We hit balls at the tennis court, I painted the baseboards, and we all cleaned out the playroom- nothing spectacular and out of the ordinary, but I have felt at peace.

So, what is it that makes the difference? Is it that I can only be happy during warm, sunny days? I don’t think so. But I do think all of the bleak winter days have primed me to enjoy the sunny day just for being sunny. And my injury has prepared me to look at my first run back as a gift, not a chore to be done. Winter makes us even more thankful for spring, and bad luck makes us thankful for good.

It also works the same that sometimes the heroine in a book must suffer a little to recognize her good fortune. Would we love a character like Jane Eyre if her life were all roses? It is her struggle and misfortune that makes the life she finds afterwards so sweet. A life by Mrs. De Winter from Rebecca should seem deeply disturbing to be in self exile, but instead, her triumph over the memory, the very ghost of Rebecca is inspiring. The transition makes us root for the characters and their happiness. Which heroine have you suffered with and loved to its happy ending?
~*~
Shaleen’s first attempts to write were played out in her home as she wrote murder mystery parties. Eventually some characters without murder and mayhem in their hearts snuck out, and Shaleen is still working to get them to tell their story. She also writes an ongoing blog on health and fitness (and the struggles of this triathlete) at www.havematwilltri.com

10 comments:

  1. So glad the sun is out at your house and that things are looking up. I hope your foot heals quickly and you can get back to the running you love. It's true that we put our characters through some awful trials to make them stronger, but I guess we don't necessarily want to go through them ourselves even if it does make is stronger. ;-)

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  2. Like you, I've noticed spring is in the air. It is still chilly and raining a lot in the UK, but the birds have started searching out nest sites and the spring bulbs are flowering. I'm looking forward to some warmer weather.

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  3. So true that you don't appreciate growth and happiness if you haven't had a little rain/troubles.

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  4. The sun makes such a difference, doesn't it? we've had a tough winter--with months of bitter cold--so many nights with -25F windchills and worse, and lots of now and ice. When we have a rare sunny day, its like a promise of spring...some day. I can't wait!

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  5. Errr...that was SNOW and ice. I really should not type fast! :)rr

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  6. Here in drought-ridden CA, I'm pulling for some rainy days! It's wet out today which means I don't have to work outside, and the plants will get some much-needed water. It's funny how nature can change one's perspective.

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  7. Loved reading your blog, Shaleen... It makes me look forward to your first published sweet romance novel. Go YOU!

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  8. You fit thing, Shaleen!! If I had an injury it would be "Yay, I don't have to exercise." Terrible!
    Heroines - I love Elly See in LaVyrle Spencer's Morning Glory. One of the best heroine's in fiction I think. Highly recommend that book if no one has read it.

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  9. Thanks all! Joanne, I will have to put that on my Good Reads list.

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  10. So true. We all notice the sun shining brighter in life after a rainy spell! I hope you are healed and enjoying your activities!

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