Many of us suffer from the winter blues, and I’ve read two posts this week that are excellent on that subject:
How the Seasonal Blues Work by Chris Brogan
It’s nothing external, really. It’s a set of thoughts that trigger some kind of experience inside, that triggers some kind of overall feeling that I associate with this time of year. It just happens. I deal with it. And then the next year is here. Truth is, I need this feeling, every bit as much as I need other feelings.
Why? Because it makes me work harder. It makes me think deeper. It makes me try to be a better person. Everything about this time of year is as important to the person you think I am as the smiles and the good will and all the power and passion I bring to things.
Winter Hibernation by Amber Naslund
I’ve always been incredibly atuned to nature. Outdoors is a very spiritual place to me, in all it’s facets. And winter especially brings on a set of emotions and reflections that are perfectly suited to the waning of daylight, the settling of snow on the branches, and the quiet air that hangs puffy and soft after a snowfall. We leave behind the remnants of a year, blanketing them in wet and white and cold.
I can’t also help but take stock this time of year of all the things I have and others don’t. How feeble and minor my issues are compared to some. How simple and exhilarating small things can be. It’s a time where I tuck into my own thoughts. Like kneading out knots in a well worn muscle, it’s painful sometimes, but always delivers a release and renewed determination to work again.
Go read both their articles, and let them know you stopped by. How do you deal with your seasonal ups and downs?
I’ve been thinking on this being the season for introspection too. I’ve got another blog post churning in my head.
I’m just trying to “play through” my seasonal blues. Last night, driving home in the twilight, the snowy landscape reminded me of your post, and of the positives of feeling introspective and “blue” this time of year. Thanks.