And just like that, it’s November.
(I have so much to say today - my brain feels like it’s overflowing lately - but this is already long, so keep an eye out for a housekeeping post later this week.)
Today I want to talk about daylight, and darkness. Because in the United States, we turned our clocks back one hour yesterday morning, and we are now officially in the season where the dark comes early.
I used to dread this time of year, but a few years ago I tried a new strategy of a psychological trickery of sorts, and it has helped me. So I’m going to share it tonight, in case it can help you, too.
First of all to be clear (and I suspect this will surprise no one) I love daylight. I love the long days and light evenings of Summer. I love a walk around the block in the golden hour after dinner. I love not having to worry about getting my paintings photographed before two o’clock in the afternoon when the darkness comes.
But inevitably, each year, we arrive at the season when the days get shorter, and rather than moping around for months, I’ve begun to do the following three things instead.
First. I make a list of everything I like about the fall and winter seasons. A real list - in my notebook, or on my phone - so that I can refer back to it when I need reminding. And I keep that list going, adding to it as the season goes on. So far the list includes things like this:
I have two jackets and a couple of sweaters that I really love to wear. And there’s a beloved scarf and vest I’m almost never not wearing from November through March. I love lamplight, and candlelight, and these little beeswax tea lights that I buy by the case. The heavier blanket on my bed, and being cozy under the covers. I love the smell of cinnamon sticks simmering on the stove. I love even the possibility of snow day. I love stew and soup, not that we can’t eat those things at any time of year, but in this season especially. And roasts, I love those too.
I’m sure there’s more coming to the list, but that’s what I’ve got for now - and just thinking about all of those cozy, warm, dark-season things, it helps me.
The second thing, is that I remind myself - again, with actual little post-it notes that I stick in my notebook and on my bathroom mirror - that after it gets darker, it gets lighter again. Every year. Darker, then lighter, then darker, then lighter again. It helps to remind myself that even though it feels like we’re marching toward the darkest day, we’re also marching toward the lightest.
And finally. As often as I can, I remind myself that there are people who prefer the darker months. That surprises and delights me every time! This is somebody’s favorite time of year.
Those are the things that have been helping me lately. Yes, it’s all mindset stuff, but it turns out that the way I think and talk about the season really impacts the way I feel about - and in - the season.
If you’re someone who also prefers the lighter months, please let me know what you do to help yourself in this season. Let’s help each other here!
And if you’re someone who prefers the darker months, I’d love to hear your favorite things about this season.
In the meantime - please please please, if you’re in the United States, go vote tomorrow. It’s our right and our responsibility.
Monday:
Queen Bee (For those asking about this one, it’s the designation you get when you find all of the words in the New York Times Spelling Bee.)
Several hours of focused work time this afternoon, which enabled me to make good progress on my projects.
I got the last three packages of ground turkey meat at the market today, which is a good thing because tonight’s dinner depended on it.
Now you? Tell me 3 good things?
