Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Snap Out of It

Need some bright sun, but I am doing OK.



Do you ever wonder if people who live in all-year-round, warm, sunny areas suffer the winter blues? For us in the colder regions, it may start about two weeks after the holidays, when everything and all its color is put away, and you know that the days ahead will probably be grey and dreary.  Now I don't mind the rain because I know that I will need this for my spring planting.  The snow is beautiful for a day or two and the skiers and children love it.  A winter wonderland adds to the economy and there is fun involved.   What gets me down are the nothing days, the cloudy, cold days, the ones that tell you to go back to bed.  They drain you of energy and leave you empty.  Although they are hard  on the mind, they probably do some good for the body by allowing us to rest.  It is a part of life for many species. Too much rest, though, can get tiring and unless you do something to bring excitement and people into your life,  you can be left on the side of your bed having a pity party with yourself.  I have been through that and once went into the large hole of depression that I did not think I could escape.  It was so deep and so bad that once I was well and whole again, I promised myself I would never go there again.  It was almost 20 years ago and sad times have come, but depression is another animal and if I can help it, that will never be a part of me again.The book has been closed on that episode of my life and I have moved forward to much greener pastures.

Yes, these days in January can get me down but not out.  I fight every day not to give into its gloom. I do not listen to the horrible news of the day and ignore the people who enjoy negativity. Some days will be good, and others not as good, but none will be bad as long as I am still kicking.

I am baking this afternoon.  Sugar always makes me happy.

49 comments:

  1. Hello Arleen:
    Oh dear, there is surely nothing worse than a pity party!!!!

    It is so true that on dark, gloomy days one simply wants to hibernate and that can be fun in itself we find, especially in the company of a good book in the warm. Having known depression, you are absolutely right to keep away from negativity. It is so draining!!

    What we find so good about living in Budapest is that throughout the winter months there is a huge variety of cultural events, especially musical ones, to brighten even the gloomiest of weathers. And, however the temperatures may plummet,everywhere is always kept warm so one never minds venturing out.

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    1. Could not agree more. Hubby and I joined an arts group in a neighboring town last summer and the other night we checked their winter schedule. We found some delightful events for us to attend in the next few months.

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  2. This time of year I stock up on books of humour. Bill Bryson's "A Walk In The Woods" has me laughing so hard it hurts.

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  3. That's my recipe for getting through the winter...books, blogging, knitting, tv, cozy throws, coffee and the occasional hit of chocolate. I'm a bit of a hermit by nature so being cooped up indoors is more of a treat than a horror.

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    1. Yes, there is something cozy about winter, unless you have to navigate the roads on a snowy day.

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  4. I know what you mean about dreary weather. Years ago, a columnist for the Atlanta newspaper always referred to the first two months of the year as Janu-weary and Febru-ugly. He had a point. Of course, back then we had a lot more rain than what we've had for the past decade or so. We've had plenty of it the past few days, though. A pot of soup is simmering in the kitchen right now, and just the smell of it is enough to perk me up. But, sugar! Yes, sugar is definitely an inspirational idea. This afternoon sounds like a perfect time to bake cookies. My husband thanks you. (My waistline? Not so much.)

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    1. It is important to bulk up in winter. The extra layer of fat keeps you warmer. At least that is what I tell myself.

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  5. I would not want to live in a continuously hot climate. I love the seasons and best of all a sunny, cold, crisp winter's day!
    I can manage the miserable weather by knowing that it will, like all things, come to pass. Spring is always just over the horizon....
    Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. I am not one for hot weather either. Warm weather though is perfect for me.

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  6. Arleen, I look forward to hibernating for a bit. I find I am so often pulled in various directions and need the time (and excuse) to be alone. With that said I am constantly in the presence of someone. The heat and I do not get along to well.

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    1. I know what you mean. It can be a time for hiding from the hustle and bustle of life. I remember liking it more when my children were younger and we had the satisfaction/joy of getting them to bed earlier

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  7. It's mildly blue today. I let myself get past the winter solstice without expending any thought on the atmosphere. Then every succeeding day is just a little bit longer. Hopefully not too overcast.

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    1. I am very aware of the extra minutes of dayling we start getting in January. It lifts the spirits.

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  8. Its cold here but there is blue sky and sun! Its so lovely
    and I'm so thank ful for no rain. I too know its a nessecity but too much is hard. When I go across the mountains to eastern washingon (desert) its always nice for a few days but then I'm dying to get home to green.
    I'm enjoying the respite from yard work but looking forward to it too. Walks always cheer me up and I think cookie baking is just the ticket and make sure your taking your vit.D. xxxooo

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    1. Too much of anything is not pleasant. I can take a few days of rain, but not days and days.

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  9. It's the grey rain that gets me down.
    Dirty muddy weather.... Upsets my self diagnosed OCD

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    1. No need to diagnose yourself today when there is Web MD. They are my favorite doctors and I don't have to get on a scale before clicking on the site.

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  10. It's murky grey and freezing cold here too so I put a picture up (with permission) of my son's sweet partner - she never fails to cheer me up.

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  11. Funny...I've been doing the same thing, baking and cooking up a storm. I'm filling the freezer with stuff. Yesterday I made chicken stock. All that work and only four containers of stock that I could have purchased for less than $4.00. Our days have been dreary, but last night was clear. I sat in the hot tub and enjoyed a beautiful night sky. In the winter I have to appreciate beauty where I find it!

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  12. Yes... those of us in Warm, Sunny Climates can get the Blues, but usually in reverse... at least here in the Arizona Desert. It usually comes when the temps never dip below 110 degrees and its difficult to be or stay outside for long lest you spontaneously combust! It drains you in a similar way that intense Cold never does... because you can bundle up from Cold... but Surface of the Sun Heat, well... it would probably be frowned upon if we ran around neked. Not to mention risking sunburning everything! *winks* But like you I make a Promise to Self to only stay 'down' for so long... it's just not a good place to be if you stay in the emotional basement. Glad you're not 'out'! Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

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    1. I have been to Arizona and loved it. It has such magnificent scenery that can be seen no where else. However, I was there in early October when the temperatures were quite nice.

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  13. I suffer from annual winter depression, but it's never too bad. We have snow now, and yesterday I was reanimated by some local girls who came by to borrow the dogs to pull their sled. You can't remain depressed watching that!

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    1. What a fun scene that must have been. I hope you got some pictures.

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  14. First, I LOVE your blog banner picture!
    Second, I've gone through some very dark times, too. I may have been depressed, but I always had hope things might get better. Like you, I don't let myself go down the dark path anymore (Yay choc & sugar!), but ironically, I've become less optimistic with every passing year. I don't believe things will get better, but I've come to appreciate all the little good things in my life. :-)

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    1. I have stopped looking at the big picture and just enjoy the little things. They are what count in our lives anyway.

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  15. I have also sunk into the depths of depression. Been there, ticked it off, not going back. Yes I have down days, but down is not out.
    And you are so right about the benefit of sugar - or even better, chocolate. Chocolate and a good book. Bliss.
    Our Januaries (and February too) are searing. Too hot to do anything. Totally enervating. So I turn into a troll and come out at night.

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    1. I am not a fan of searing heat either. However, I can enjoy the AC and look out the window to the bright sunshine and my beautiful flowers.

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  16. Amen! And I thought I was the only one who felt like that. What is wrong with me? Why can't I snap out of this? Why am I so depressed all the time? Then you realize, winter is nature's way of slowing us down, revitalizing and repairing the body. Without the bad, how would we know what good was?
    Hang in there! 2 more months and it's all over!(I keep reminding myself)

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  17. Depression is different than the blues. We all get the blues and then somethng comes along and everything is OK. Depression is total hopelessness with little desire to escape. It is curable and I am the proof of that. Now I try to enjoy the moments that are given to me and live on the bright side of life.

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  18. So true and am I so glad you made it through your depression. It can catch up to us...good to be aware and fight off those blues. I definitely get them too and then try to think of something fun to do...like you with baking. Hope your treats did the trick!

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  19. I have fought that despicable depression forever. Most of the time I am very well, but it is sneaky.
    February is the month I hate most; it seems to go on forever.

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    1. I know, Susan. I fight the battle and I think I am winning. Every time I get through a crisis, I am stronger.

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  20. For the last couple of weeks I've been having "pity parties" with myself.
    But, like you, I've been fighting off the blues. No easy job, bur it's got to be done.

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  21. Ga is usually sunny even in the winter - this year no - and I have noticed it.

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  22. Hope the baking cheered you up. That's a great way to fight off a gloomy day. I guess that's why they call it comfort food. Hopefully, the sun will shine on you soon.
    Julie

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  23. A really good friend of mine suffers from winter sadness every single year. But i really like your response to Susan Kane's comment - that you get stronger through every crisis. That's very inspirational :)

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  24. I loooove cold weather, probably because we have so few days of it. I can't get anybody to eat soup and cornbread unless the temperature is in the 30's. Arlene, are so wise to know you have a choice when it comes to fighting the blues. YOU GO GIRL! Jody, The Medicare Mom.

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  25. I live in Washington State and I absolutely hear you. I have had SAD for the last ten years in winter. We decided to spend January and February in Tucson this year, and I am no longer taking the homeopathic supplement for winter blues or extra vitamin D.

    I love cold weather, too. Snow is good partly because it reflects any available light.

    What I learned from my SAD is that I have a choice about it. Including wintering in Tucson.

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  26. I still suffer with depression now and again and dreary January days do not help.
    But I certainly never force myself into an upbeat mode - the depression isn't bad enough nowadays for medication - but rather allow myself down days. If I accept them it’s not so bad. They are part of the circle of my life and I therefore accept them.

    And the more I accept them, the fewer there are.

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  27. Winter will be over soon. But, I know, it is depressing. What I do is open up the curtains really wide when the sun is shining and sit in the rays. It's like summer without any bugs.

    Big hugs!!!

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  28. I went to look to see where you live – Pennsylvania. Yes, it can get cold and grey there. We lived in Ardmore, near Philadelphia, for two years while my husband was getting his master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania. I remember the winters as some of the coldest I experienced. Here, we are supposed to have sun for the next few days. Sunny days are good.

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  29. January is not a great month for me either. Everything is cold and grey. About 5 years ago I started to slide into a bad depression. Luckily, I caught myself in time and starting taking action to try and help. At first it was a major forced effort to make those little changes but it helped.

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  30. I try to take the best from every season and every month, each has something beautiful to offer - if you can only see it. Even grey/cold/wet days have a beauty of their own.
    (I'm not saying I always succeed mind !)

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  31. December and January are the worst for me. I hate getting up in the dark and do the school run in the dark. Living in the UK as been a really interesting experience to say the least. Here is to hopfully the sunshine will come soon. Happy Baking!

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  32. Sounds like a good plan. Now my plan today is to make marmalade. Actually, it has been my plan for about a week now, but today I shall crack it. No more putting it off. It's getting that if I do just one thing a week from my to-do list it's a bonus! It is hard to get things moving when most of the reasons for doing so seem to not be there any more.

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