When I experience similar conditions, I use self talk to calm me down as I had previously found that far too many nights were spoiled by having my expectations dashed when the clouds came in, or a piece of equipment failed etc.
I now say to myself, almost mantra-like, phrases like the following:
- “This is a hobby, something I have chosen to engage in for pleasure, relaxation, inspiration and to rise above the more mundane hours of daylight.
- Don’t let the weather control my moods – just accept that some things are beyond my ability to influence.
- I didn’t “own” the time that I had planned to observe so if it turns to mush, just let go. There is always tomorrow.
- Don’t take it personally, nature is impersonal and isn’t out to thwart my observing or imaging session.”
Mostly, this seems to work quite effectively to the extent that I now end up retiring in a much calmer mood and definitely feeling less cheated. I decided I didn’t want to have any bad feelings following me to bed, after having spent all that money on astronomy equipment and software! After an initially slow start, I can now usually talk myself down quite quickly and effectively, feeling the genuine benefits of going to bed in a more peaceful frame of mind.
Cheers
Dennis