SAD

Yep, we are talking about SAD again; it happens at this time of the year.

Seasonal Affective Disorder -- SAD

Apparently, the lack of sunshine may trigger something akin to depression for some individuals.  I've seen advertisements for a special kind of light that the sufferer sits under for a period of time each day.  I don't know if it really works but it would be great if it helps.

On a segment of Normal or Nuts on FOX the other day, someone said that they tend to get a little blue at this time of year and reflect on their lives -- what they've done and maybe what they wish they would have done or could have done.

The psychologist said that is normal.  We do tend to review our lives in down times, less active times.  My viewpoint is that this kind of inventory is good, but much, much better if it produces some kind of result. 

Suppose during one of these life reviews a person decides that they need to get off their duff and start volunteering somewhere.  Or making a gift for someone special.  Or helping someone who needs it.  Now, that kind of reflection is wonderful!  A change in the life!  Even something for themselves that would make a difference in their attitude and mood -- like exercising.

Which is exactly what I should be doing this morning, but the drive is covered AGAIN.  For me SAD stands for something else -- SNOW AGAINST DRIVING.  Yikes, I'm tired of being stuck down in this hole when I could be going to Curves.  Instead, I sit around the house doing this and that and invariably finding a magazine or a catalog somewhere -- and then going on line and buying something.  Not good.

SAD is actually serious business -- it probably causes people to miss work, miss appointments, and worse -- not engage and interact with their family members as they should.  It would be nice to figure out how it happens and then find something to counteract it.  I mean, we aren't going to change the weather here in Northeastern Ohio, are we?

From the days in the seventh grade when my toes were frozen going to school in little pointy toed flat shoes to today, my attitude about winter hasn't changed all that much.  Other than gazing out the window first thing in the morning after a tree-clinging snow, it is just a nuisance for me. 

My husband said that he talked to someone the other day and there are a LOT of folks who have just about had it with the weather and are really considering a move.  A guy at my granddaughter's school told me the other day that he and his wife had decided on Arizona.  For real.  I wonder what the results of such a move would be.  Would it make a huge difference?  Would it be worth it to be away from family?

I have a sister who moved to Arizona about eight years ago or so.  She hasn't mentioned missing Ohio even once.  Even when the temps in her area are 100 plus.

There is one place that seems to have its act together -- Western Maryland -- and specifically Deep Creek Lake.  In this locale with 80 plus inches of snow per year, they have it down pat.  They have found ways to enjoy all four seasons and do it in style.  They have skiing, fishing, skating, swimming, and a host of other activities in both spring and fall to round out the year.  They seem to have a can-do attitude about the weather.  We actually considered moving there about 30 years ago.  The lake has about 68 miles of shoreline and is it is beautiful.  The people were friendly.  There was a lovely, old Catholic Church in nearby Oakland which we attended on vacations. 

One of these days we'll go back and see it again.

Look at pictures of blue water and greenery.  It will help.  SAD -- SAD go away.