In the northeast, it gets dark early, too early, especially when they push the clocks back. I wish they were over it. I know I am. It was originally designed for farmers in the last century, so there would be light earlier in the day. Understandable. Then. But now ?
The majority of the population doesn’t farm anymore and the average worker doesn’t have to show up till 9:00 a.m.. Some people have argued that we should keep this tradition status quo, because children go to school early in the morning and it should be light out.
Why ? They all get driven today. No one walks to school anymore. I doubt they’re going to fall getting into a car. If they’re that clumsy, give them a flashlight.
I remember sitting in school during the day. It would be dusk by the time I left. So what’s the difference if you get to school somewhere around dawn or leave at dusk ? It’s really the same, just opposite sides of it. Neither time is fully lit.
I get the winter blues. No doubt. I definitely fare better in the sun and warmth. No, I’m not moving to Florida. A good friend of mine calls it the waiting room for the dead. For any Floridians reading this, I’m just passing along a quote.
I have nothing against Florida. I spent many winter school vacations there as a kid with my family. I have fond memories of those times. Especially the beach, the sun, and tropical air at night.
I would consider somewhere warmer with more light though. And more quality living. Not a place where there are extreme changes to the weather or having to spend a fortune to live there.
So, until I figure it out, I’ll do the best things to keep myself lifted. I’ll take brisk walks in the middle of the day to the beach. I’ll exercise. I’ll try to stay away from the sugar I crave, because it always makes me feel worse an hour later and then I crave more.
And I’ll force myself to call at least 2 people every day, because the mood and climate are a perfect combination for isolation and hibernating. I do both well. I’ve had a lot of practice after so many years here.
Most of all, I’ll get out that over-sized light box I’ve had for about 20 years. It really does help. When I turn it on and that extreme brightness hits my brain, I close my eyes and picture myself on a beach.
All this proves, I have no business living here. I start to dream of the islands about now. Caribbean, Virgin, Take your pick. Just think- light, sun, warmth, a beach, t-shirts, cotton dresses. It already feels like another long winter. Heeelp !
aboomersvoice 