Spring Is In The Air!
Ok well, maybe for some people.
March 1st is officially considered the beginning of Spring, but some of us live in the Great White North and it will probably be May before we see any flowers blooming and have any truly warm-ish days to speak of. That being said, the anticipation of Spring and all it brings is most certainly being felt by me. With each day that gets longer (Daylight Savings is next week!), I feel I come out of hibernation just a little bit more. So yeah, I'm super stoked!
Winter is such a dreary time for me, especially since moving North. That's why I always feel a lift in my spirits as Spring begins, and by the time summer hits, I'm completely in my element and back to feeling like myself again. And with the hope that summer will bring less COVID restrictions and more ability to get out and about, I feel myself getting downright giddy! I simply can't wait!
I'm already starting to feel the need to do some Spring cleaning and sprucing up of our home. Actually, I started feeling that need back in February when I rearranged our living space. Since then, I've finally gotten some prints made of our photography, and of course I'm also always donating old clothes and things we don't use anymore, to help declutter our house. It just feels good to dust off the cobwebs and simplify your space. Ya know?
Seasonal Effect...
Going through this change of season once again has me reflecting on how it affects me each time, and what that means for my mental health. Contrary to what everyone tells you, some people just can't acclimate to certain climates or situations. Some of us are not meant to be holed up for 6 months of the year, hiding out from snow storms and frigid temperatures. Some of us need sunshine and fresh air to thrive!
After 6 years here, I've found that the colder months certainly bring on more anxiety & depression for me. And that has intensified over the years, especially during the last few years with COVID. It's now starting to carry over into my usually happier, warmer months, because I'm basically spending my good days counting down to the inevitable hibernation period. My dread of the cold, dreary, snowy, months of the year is keeping me from enjoying the very few warm & sunny days I'm allotted.
Just Move Already!
Some will say, just move already! And trust me, if I could, I would. We are unfortunately tied to this region for at least 7 1/2 more years, until my husband can retire and get the pension he has been working towards for almost 30 years. It's not something you just walk away from. However, I am working towards being financially able to live & work from anywhere, so that I can maybe spend a good part of my winters elsewhere. Because getting away from winters is no longer just a desire for me, it's becoming obvious that it is necessary for my mental health. And I'm learning that I have to take care of myself, and put me first sometimes. As strange as that feels.
Thankfully I'm a dual citizen of the USA & Canada, so I have regions with warmer options available to me, as long as I can financially find a way to make that happen. It is certainly the goal I'm working towards and would like to see it come to fruition sooner rather than later. Because this seasonal rollercoaster of mental health issues is getting unbearable.
But I digress...
Spring is in the air, and I'm more than ready for it! How about you?
How do the seasons affect you? Are you a Winter or Summer soul? Would you move to get better weather & mental health if you could? Let me know on the comments!