Grey Days
Well, I'm lucky enough to have a window to look out of when I'm sat at my desk (I know a lot of people don't), but it's just reminding me how grey and gloomy it is outside at the moment.
Did you know that most people suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affectedness Disorder) to some extent, and that some people find it incredibly debilitating?
Most folks just aren't quite as chirpy when the days are shorter and darker, but some poor people can end up horribly depressed and even suicidal.
Of course, winter comes every year, so the shorter days are unavoidable, but getting 'daylight' replicating light bulbs and sunlamps (basically like sun beds but, well, lamps!) can be of great help.
It's because of this down-turn in the jolliness stakes that the mid-winter festivals of all cultures/religions are extra important and fun. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Yule, Hanukah, Diwali or Eid (or a combination of the above), it means that you have something to look forward to during the darker days.
When we were more dependant on seasonal crops and harvests, the mid-winter feasts were significant because food was likely to have been in short supply as well. However, with the ability to trot along to your local supermarket for all manner of yummies, all year round, this aspect isn't quite so relevant anymore... ...but that doesn't mean we don't look forward to the feasting still!
So, what am I doing to cheer myself up a bit? Some people like to plan their summer holidays in winter, or to have a short break somewhere sunny now. I prefer to dig out the old powertools and break into a DIY frenzy. It makes me feel productive, and gives me a reason not to put off the cosy dinner-parties I'd like to throw if only I'd finished painting the living-room/laying the kitchen lino/changing the door handles/insert your un-completed job here.
I was talking to a friend about this the other day though, and she said something I hadn't considered. She said, "Tam, we don't care about the carpet or the kitchen, we come to see you and eat your cooking, not to investigate the fixtures and fittings".
And it's true - I don't care about those things when I go to visit her, either! So, forget about the dreary day outside, just make a big bowl of something warming, stock up on the beverages that your friends enjoy, and have a few of your mates over for a cosy chat and a munch.
I'm going to do the same! ...but first I might just finish of that patch on the ceiling where I ran out of paint last January...
Take care,
Tam
PS - of course if you're itching to get into DIY but don't have a home of your own to do it in, get along to www.jointequity.co.uk and see if we can help you to buy one!
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