It's getting dark outside. Tis the season for gray skies and shorter days. I'm trying not to get all depressed and funky like I was starting to get this time last year. As my brother-in-law commented to his wife last year, "I think Lynn is losing it." He had no idea. This year, I'm thinking about getting a light. One of those light boxes to help with seasonal-affective disorder. I'm not sure I have the true diagnosis, but since I am a medical expert by default (married to a medical professional), I would say I suffer from SAD. And seriously, before someone labeled the disorder, could they have checked on the acronym, first? SAD... oh, that's really funny. That's like me naming my child Ursula Grace or David Ulysses. Imagine the kids on the playground, "Hey UGH, you're so disgusting..." or, "Hey DUH, did your parents just know you were going to be so stupid?"
Wow. That was a total ADD moment. Apparently attention deficit order is just as rampant in the fall and winter as it is in spring and summer.
Back to the point. Needing a light. I'm going to try it. And for all who take the time to read this blog, you will thank me. I'm hoping I will be much more cheery and hopeful, rather than doom and gloom and whoa is me.
I know of two friends, in particular, who will thank me. These are friends who, of course, do not understand depression or sadness. In the last couple of weeks while I have been sad over situations in my life, they have told me to be happy. Smile. Look at the bright side. Whatever. I even have a picture for them doing my best "whatever" sign. It's not like I can just get over it. I am a complicated human being, thank you very much.
But actually, I am going to start looking on the bright side, as soon as I get my magical light. I am not discounting all the other things that help - like prayer, and support of friends, and some good drugs, but even with these things, I have struggled when the days turn dark and gray. Not to mention the fact that my four young children do not get outside nearly as much, which creates a very loud home.
So I'll try the light. And I will keep you posted (pun, intended), although you'll most likely be able to tell if my happy light is working. Now I must google for my light box and dream of brighter days.
Here's to your sister-in-law not losing it, Chris!