Tag Archives: time change

Light In The Darkness

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Everyone complains about the time change. Occasionally the politicians will come at it with threats of abolishing it and social media is clogged with people complaining about the early sunsets and dark mornings. But, ya’ll, I have been looking forward to this moment since we sprung forward in the spring.

Hear me out. 

First of all, I feel better and and sleep well in the winter. This feels like the natural time for me. 

The time change and the winter season are a part of nature and the rhythm of the year. It’s important to humans to have this period of rest and calm. It’s not punishment. It’s an opportunity to focus your attention inward, toward your body, mind, spirit and home. 

Look to nature in the winter. Nearly everything in nature lets go of what it doesn’t need and enters a period of rest. And why not? It’s cold outside and often gloomy where I live. There are nice days perfect for outdoor fun but the long nights are perfect for doing things you don’t make time to do when the days are long and you feel compelled to stay busy. 

Long, sunny days make you feel bad for going to bed early even when you need rest. Long days force you to devote endless hours to lawn care. Summer days make you feel like you should be out  running from one activity to another. 

Winter means there’s time to make soup and settle in with those movies you’ve been meaning to watch. Winter means you have time to work on your hobbies or maybe try a new one. Long nights mean you can organize your closet, make some comfort food and turn on the fairy lights as you feather your nest. 

Winter means there’s time for self care and for introspection. It means that calm and rest can be a priority if you allow it.

If you have been diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder I hope you will seek ways to make the winter more bearable and maybe someday you can find some relief and even a way to enjoy it. 

As for me, I am so excited to dive into my quiet winter life. It’s hard to describe what it means to have license to embrace this season of respite, to reset, recharge, rejuvenate and realign my  intentions.

Enjoy this season and find delight in what you think you don’t enjoy.

Hello Darkness, My Old Friend

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In the words of Simon and Garfunkel “Hello darkness, my old friend. I’ve come to talk with you again.”

Here in America this weekend, we will “fall backward” as we change the time again. This weekend marks a period when we suddenly notice the days getting shorter and the nights lasting much longer.

There’s a meme that keeps popping up in my social media feeds. It says something like “Summer is over. It’s dark, rainy and cold. I hope you’re happy you pumpkin spice loving freaks.”

I’m the queen of scrolling past messages that don’t interest me but this always strikes a chord.

Before I start, I want to acknowledge those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you have been diagnosed, my condolences. Life is about to get hard again.

However, I’m kind of excited about this time change and hope there are others like me somewhere in Ohio. See, Ohio summer seems to be a little longer every single year. It’s hot and too humid to actually enjoy outdoor time so life has to be planned to avoid the worst parts of the day or be limited to the air conditioning. This stretch from May through early September is not remotely fun.

Yet, there are lots of opportunities to run around and have fun. Vacations, day trips, county fairs, festivals, flea markets and other activities happen all the time.

I work hard to make sure I can still enjoy life in the summer despite the fact the sun will burn my poor, pale skin to a crisp if I spend too much time outdoors.

The time change in November brings all the fun of summer and festivities of fall to a grinding halt. Darkness arrives early and the sun rises late. It’s cold and the weather turns volatile.

You know what else happens?

Life slows down and interests turn inward. It suddenly is the perfect time for movie marathons and long books. Bubble baths, new hobbies, restful nights and small indoor projects become more prominent.

What’s not to love about soup simmering on the stove and a piping hot beverage enjoyed from beneath a blanket?

I read more, catch up on podcasts, and sleep more soundly, I tidy kitchen cabinets and experiment with my food.

Time spent outdoors gives us fresh, crisp air to cleanse our lungs and energize our souls. Plus, the best part of going outside is coming back in to get warm.

Life becomes cozy. Life becomes easier. It becomes happier if you allow it..

One key to happiness is finding ways to enjoy your day, no matter the circumstances. As we approach the time change this weekend, I encourage you to seek out ways to be happy – even if you don’t like the weather.

Plan a family game night or a trip to the library for some fresh reading materials. Buy yourself some grocery store flowers and bake cookies.

Everyone certainly doesn’t need to like the same things but I hate to think of anyone being so miserable for entire months of the year. Life is too short to throw away an entire season of potential happiness.

Sometimes in life, the very best things are those you didn’t ask for and think you don’t want. Why not give this winter thing a chance? Even if you don’t love it, just looking for ways to make it more tolerable will indeed make it a happier time.