In a Deep Freeze
And waiting for the thaw
This holiday season felt like it sprung up suddenly out of the frozen ground. But winter as a whole has felt more insidious, slowly (but determinedly) reaching its depth.
My grandfather, like myself, faced the “winter blues” or what we now might call seasonal affective disorder (with the immensely appropriate acronym: SAD) — a mood shift triggered by changes in daylight. And, as is oft repeated, when it rains it pours. Or perhaps more aptly for the season, when it snows it’s a blizzardous white-out.
Writing is my emotional outlet and reading my grandpa’s words has been a well of joy I’ve drawn from over the past 2 years of writing this newsletter. So when I’m lacking the capacity to manage either, I know I’m beyond drained. My resolution for the new year is to find my way back to reading and researching and writing, as slowly as is necessary. To start filling up my cup again instead of trying to pour from an empty one.
In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite posts talking about winter, and my grandpa’s appreciation for it. Funny how a season that can drain you, can pull your mood into the darkest depths, can also be full of such expressive beauty.
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