Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Rose Toth's avatar

I appreciate your honesty about being emotionally ambivalent about the season. Being “happy” just because of holidays is an unrealistic expectation, especially those of us who experience mid- winter blues. I’ve learned how to manage the SAD symptoms over the years (be outside, in sunshine, walk, do art daily (with a light in my face) but the blues are always looking over my shoulder. Sometimes I’m inspired to illustrate feelings as we move deeper into solstice darkness. Here’s what I’ve come to know— that life is bittersweet (see book by that title), the ups and downs ARE life , and to fight that only causes more suffering. When I’m down, be grateful and do self care ( which includes doing nothing) and nourish my soul like I would do for a young child. When I’m “up” be grateful for that too and create, support my loved ones, and paint that too.

Expand full comment
Anne Ellis Trombetta's avatar

Jennifer, what great puzzles you have. I see one in my future. Also, have you ever worn WOOL socks?? They make a huge difference! After living in NY for most of my life, and having cold feet, I finally bought wool socks when I moved to NC. They are the best, and they don’t itch!

Expand full comment
20 more comments...

No posts