Looking forward to Winter

December is officially upon us! At the end of the year, I reflect upon it. Usually, my seasonal depression really affects me, and this year, I finally don't feel that way. So I wanted to share some tips that have really helped me.

You don't need to feel joyful

However you feel during this time is valid! During this time, you see all these ads of people who are happy and joyful. I oddly felt guilty when my seasonal depression started due to joyful advertisements. It's not my fault for feeling this way. Thankfully, it's becoming more accepted to not feel joyful at this time of year.

This season, I feel better with this because I understand that feeling this way happens sometimes! If you're empathetic like me, it can be hard not to feel sad about the world. This realization has really helped me is become more in tune with my life. I ask myself, what is something that I can look forward to during the week? One of my old therapists suggested this, and it really helps! I make rest days a priority during the week, but also plan fun things like reading, gaming, or if the weather permits, getting food out with my mom. It really helps me!

Reflecting on the year

Self-reflection was something that was really hard for me during the time of my depression. I used to think about what I hadn't done that year.

Nnow I focus on a single goal for each day that I try my best to achieve. For the year, I focus on the things that brought me joy, and my favorite moments. For me, the most important thing is my progress and peace! Small and big wins are so important!

I've also come to appreciate the small things and remember that the world rests during Winter, it's important that we do the same - slow down and be here.

Focus on little things

Little things: My life coach Amber (who also has SMA) helped me with focusing on small things that I love instead of my brain focusing on all the things I hated.

My favorite things are: hot cocoa, fireplaces, the fashion (I love pairing a hoodie with a puffer!), blankets, holiday music and overall slowing down like nature is doing.

So often I think our brains tend to focus on the negative as act of survival, such as coping with our SMA. But I try be realistic and focus on the good too. It's so important to find the good and savor every moment of it.

I truly just love how Winter leads to cozy days inside. It makes me feel so nice. What’s in my control? I sometimes think of the things that I haven't accomplished.

My life coach also said to make a done list! What did I accomplish today?

Special things about winter

When it gets cold, I want to hide, but I focus on my little things that help me make that day better like having a nice meal, waking up, getting in my chair and having my heater on helps to wake me up and have a lovely slow morning, going out, being present, and looking forward to whatever we are doing and getting to have my cozy car blanket!

Again, it's truly all the little and big things that really make Winter feel special. The cold can truly be killer to me but things like having cozy clothes and fun things to do really help.

It's taken me a long time to get here. I got here because I worked so hard on myself mentally. I never want to go back to insecure little me, and in times when I feel myself go back to that state, I try to remember that I'm trying my best, progress not perfection and doing things 9 times out of 10 is great! It can be hard, but I hope that you can find some things that bring you can bring you joy during this chilly time of year.

Much love,

Kellie