I snapped this photo with my phone after dropping off the kids today.
In years past I have struggled with the coming of winter and the darkness and cold it brings. It has caused an incredible amount of sadness and struggle for me including severe depression.
Back in February, I came to the realization I had a seasonal disorder called SAD. On the advice of a few, I looked into light therapy to help me. Armed with my new light box, I figured I could tackle the winter blues with some tabletop sunshine. It worked fine when I used it, but like everything in my life, I have a hard time creating a new routine. Especially one that is good for me.
Oddly so far this season, I haven’t noticed a shift in my mood. Since the change begins in October for me, I would have thought it should have happened by now. In fact, I feel better than I have in years and I am completely embracing winter. On the drive to school in the mornings, I’m enjoying the beautiful landscapes around me. The views are breathtaking as the sun lights up the snow covered farms and fields. The woods look cozy and inviting with their bare trees and open trails just waiting to be walked on. It makes me want to get out into nature and feel the cold on my face. And it sure has been cold this week with the mornings starting out around eight degrees!
It makes me wonder why? Is it because there are more sunny days this time around? Maybe it’s my change in diet removing gluten and almost all dairy? Claire is older this winter and with that comes smoother days and more rested sleep. That may be a factor in my uplifted spirits.
I’m not exactly sure, but I have a feeling it’s all of those reasons and more. Now that the solstice has come and gone the days are getting longer and the usual winter blues would normally start to have an upswing. Does this mean I have made it through this season without the dreaded SAD?
We still have a few more months of winter and long snowy days. To that I say, “Bring it on old man winter. Bring it on!”
How are you handling the winter so far this season? Do you battle the blues too? Want to borrow my light box? I have one that is looking pretty lonely these days.
Live Well
Is that the barn with the horse silouette on it? On the road between Warwick and Pine Island? Love that barn and I love driving that road too. So glad you are feeling good this winter! I’m sure it is also because you are doing so many good things for yourself lately. Keeping busy with work projects is good medicine. Self care is so important. xo
I know that barn! The picture makes me love the area (and miss) it even more. I agree that your outlets have helped keep you focused on what’s important to you and away from the winter gremlins. Keep up the isnpiration as you are helping me keep my gremlins away too!
Yes, it that barn. I drive past it twice a day and love the entire layout! So so pretty!