WINTER'S DARKNESS
Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage each other and build each other up; just as you are already doing.
January, the longest and usually the coldest and darkest month of the year, marks the end of winter as the days gradually lengthen. We’re weary of the cold, runny noses, and lingering coughs. Looking out the window at the brown grass and bare trees, I can’t help but feel deflated and depressed.
Depression can strike unexpectedly and wreak havoc on a person’s mental well-being. I’ve personally battled depression and resorted to prescription medication to manage it. However, one day, I made a profound decision: “No more.” I refused to live my life solely dependent on medication to get through each day. Determined to reclaim my life, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and gradually tapered off the pills.
While I acknowledge that this path may not be suitable for everyone, I want to emphasize that not all depressions are created equal. My own depression was triggered by my cancer diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy treatments. It’s a constant battle to stay on the right track, and I’m acutely aware of the potential for relapse if I let my guard down.
So, how do we combat the winter blues? I would usually recommend reading a book, but even I, the Queen of reading, must occasionally put it down and engage in different activities. I crave connection with my friends, whom I don’t see often enough during the winter months, who are also grappling with the winter blues. To combat this, I put on my favorite music, crank up the volume, and start cleaning and cooking. I then organize a get-together with these friends. As we gather around the table, savoring a delicious meal and sharing laughs, we momentarily forget about the cold, dreary days. We might reminisce about our past travel adventures or plan our next one. For a brief moment, we can escape the cold temperatures and grey days of winter.
Psalm 139:11-12
11) I could ask the darkness to hide me and light around me to become night
12) but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.
One of my favorite songs is an oldie from 1971, written and recorded by John Denver. It’s called “Sunshine on My Shoulder.” Interestingly, he wrote this song during the dead of winter when he was feeling down and blue. So, when I pick up my Kindle and drink cup to leave the room, Steve asks me where I’m going. I tell him, “To sunshine, it makes me happy.” On those winter days when the sun finally peeks out, even for just an hour, you’ll find me in the sunroom, basking in the sunshine and feeling happy.
Always remember that even in the darkness, whether it’s winter’s darkness or the darkness of depression you are never alone.
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.
Therefore encourage each other and build each other up; just as you are already doing.
January, the longest and usually the coldest and darkest month of the year, marks the end of winter as the days gradually lengthen. We’re weary of the cold, runny noses, and lingering coughs. Looking out the window at the brown grass and bare trees, I can’t help but feel deflated and depressed.
Depression can strike unexpectedly and wreak havoc on a person’s mental well-being. I’ve personally battled depression and resorted to prescription medication to manage it. However, one day, I made a profound decision: “No more.” I refused to live my life solely dependent on medication to get through each day. Determined to reclaim my life, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and gradually tapered off the pills.
While I acknowledge that this path may not be suitable for everyone, I want to emphasize that not all depressions are created equal. My own depression was triggered by my cancer diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy treatments. It’s a constant battle to stay on the right track, and I’m acutely aware of the potential for relapse if I let my guard down.
So, how do we combat the winter blues? I would usually recommend reading a book, but even I, the Queen of reading, must occasionally put it down and engage in different activities. I crave connection with my friends, whom I don’t see often enough during the winter months, who are also grappling with the winter blues. To combat this, I put on my favorite music, crank up the volume, and start cleaning and cooking. I then organize a get-together with these friends. As we gather around the table, savoring a delicious meal and sharing laughs, we momentarily forget about the cold, dreary days. We might reminisce about our past travel adventures or plan our next one. For a brief moment, we can escape the cold temperatures and grey days of winter.
Psalm 139:11-12
11) I could ask the darkness to hide me and light around me to become night
12) but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.
One of my favorite songs is an oldie from 1971, written and recorded by John Denver. It’s called “Sunshine on My Shoulder.” Interestingly, he wrote this song during the dead of winter when he was feeling down and blue. So, when I pick up my Kindle and drink cup to leave the room, Steve asks me where I’m going. I tell him, “To sunshine, it makes me happy.” On those winter days when the sun finally peeks out, even for just an hour, you’ll find me in the sunroom, basking in the sunshine and feeling happy.
Always remember that even in the darkness, whether it’s winter’s darkness or the darkness of depression you are never alone.
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.
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