SAD – hellomelissa.net

When I picked Flora up from school today, I had to sit in my car for an extra minute or two to pull myself together. I’ve got a serious case of the November blahs. Add an exhausting day at work, a busy commute and I had a small case of the sads by the time I hit the school.

I peeked in the window where the kids were playing. I love watching Flora when she doesn’t know I’m watching her. It gives me insight into how she sees the world.

I waited at the door and she soon came running to give me the biggest hug.

I really needed that.

As she was getting her stuff on, she handed me a piece of paper.

I made this for you mama.

For those who don’t have kids learning to write and draw right now, it’s a card with lots of hearts. It says “Mom” on the front and the back.

I almost teared up in the hallway of the school.

I thanked Flora for her card. I told her it was just what I needed. And it really was.

I have an awesome kid. I want to be like her when I grow up.

Getting dressed on the weekends really makes a difference to my mood.

Even if I’m only going from my pajamas to my grubbies – the clothes I wear when I don’t have to go anywhere fancier than Walmart. The act of putting on clean, presentable clothes including fresh undergarments makes such a difference to my outlook on my day.

Maybe it’s the fact that there is sunshine streaming through my windows after weeks of dark days, or that I’ve caught up with the dishes, or that I’ve started reading another book (Room by Emma Donoghue). But after several weeks of feeling dark, dreary and (dare I say) depressed, my mood is a little perkier today. Everything feels a little more manageable and small setbacks don’t make me want to take to my bed.

Naturally, as I was writing this, I interrupted myself to look at SAD lights. I don’t personally know of anyone who has used one but I’m very intrigued by them. I’ve never heard anyone say that light therapy is a sham. I also know that I’m cheerier when the sun is shining, so a light may be worth investing in.

Have you used a SAD lamp? Does it help? Which one do you use? Any comments with advice or recommendations are welcome.

In the meantime, I’ll continue to get dressed seven days a week.