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Monday, January 28, 2013

Winter Doldrums



Does this time of year get to you? Are you suffering from letdown after the holidays? If you live anywhere near the Great Lakes, you know all about gray skies from November through March. Does that affect your mood?

I crave the sunshine. Those surprisingly bright days almost made up for the bitter cold temperatures we experienced last week. When the sun is bright and the sky blue, I feel more energized. But when the clouds roll in, I want to hibernate—burrow under the covers or play a lot of solitaire. My energy level diminishes in proportion to the amount of sunshine.

So how do you overcome the weariness created by the weather? Necessity—like a job outside the home. Discipline—forcing oneself into accomplishing what needs to be done. Some people are so affected by winter’s gloom that they suffer from a condition called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

Although we grouse about winter weather—blizzards, ice storms, gloomy gray skies—we do have our breaks of brilliant sunshine. I cannot imagine how people who live in northern Canada or Alaska where their day is so short or nonexistent manage.

Celebrations go a long way to make up for dismal weather. The days my son and grandson were born, for instance. Birthday parties are a great way to perk up January. February never seems so gloomy when celebrating Hubs’ birthday. Good news also helps. Those of you who follow me on Facebook know about the good news I received last week—the sale of a romantic suspense book to The Wild Rose Press. I have loved One Red Shoe ever since its first incarnation as a writing exercise during a Mid-Michigan RWA chapter meeting. From that first paragraph, the story grew and changed and grew and changed more. I am so happy it has finally found a good home. You can be sure when I know the publication date I’ll post it here.

That good news will probably hold off the winter doldrums for me for a while. Meanwhile, stay warm and safe. 

What helps you get through winter?

4 comments:

  1. I think I enjoy the same perks you mention: January birthdays (husband, daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter), and Valentine's Day help to take the monotony out of the cold winter. I work a couple of part time jobs, and once I'm out of the house I'm okay to keep going. But like you, good news is the best motivator. Congratulations on your new release!

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  2. I also have part-time jobs that keep me on the go most days, but I'd really rather not have to go out into the cold! I love looking at snow but hate shoveling it, but then doesn't everyone? Reading and watching favorite movies are favorite winter passtimes. My dogs also keep me from hibernating too much. Tomorrow it's supposed to be 60 and then back to the teens. That's crazy but hey, it's Michigan, and I'm glad January is almost over. So happy for you on One Red Shoe being accepted!

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  3. First of all, wooooooowhoooooo on your sale. Welcome!! Second, my activity of choice would have to be walking. Even in the cold, it's great to get outdoors. Sunshine helps, but even walking in the rain, but only if it's warmer, is a great pick me up.

    Of course, staying under the covers has its place in my life too!

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  4. Congrats on the sale! That'll perk up a gloomy winter. As for me, every day the pavement is clear is a good day. I love February because it's short and over before you know it and then there's that last dash to spring. March is a tease - nice one day then bitter the next. But then it's summer and we'll complain about the humidity. Michigan . . . sigh.

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