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SAD

2013 September 23
by WWGD

Fall-WhatWouldGwynethDo

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is most often associated with people who are buried six feet under a pile of snow, haven’t seen the sun in months and/or spend more time in their Hunter rainboots than in their pajamas.

Well here it is 75 and sunny again today. And it is affecting me.

So many of you ushered in the first days of Fall this weekend with a dip in temperatures, a cozy sweater, maybe even some fallen leaves crackling under your heels.

We ushered it in with a trip to the beach and another BBQ.

I know, woe is me. I have to listen to “Jingle Bells” with my sunroof open. My kids don’t even know what a snowsuit is, much less how to get into it. It is, on average, 73 and sunny…every single day of my life.

But the truth is, perfect weather isn’t always perfect for everyone. I grew up with the seasons and some of my fondest memories of my childhood involve piles of leaves waiting to be jumped into, hot cocoa thawing my frozen lips, the sound of rain outside my window and of course, the first snowfall. When we left Montreal in our early 20s, I was beyond excited to leave all the slush, grey skies and cold weather layers behind…but I didn’t realize I would leave such an important part of myself behind with it all.

I can certainly appreciate a beautiful day like the rest of you. I watched the ocean reflect the beaming sun like it was painted with diamonds yesterday. I saw the people running by in their light layers, beaming at each other over the good fortune we all have to live in paradise. I understand why we pay exorbitant amounts of money to live in a place where you can plan any outdoor event, virtually any day of the year, without a second thought. I appreciate all that. I am thankful for it. I guess I just don’t know if it’s the only existence I want to know – or to have my kids know.

I realized a few years back that seasonal affective disorder was affecting me, just not in the ways you would expect. It’s too damn sunny. It’s too damn perfect. It’s 73 degrees again. A sweater is silly. A bowl of soup seems absurd. And there is very little chance that any rain will be beating down on a cozy Sunday afternoon any time soon.

Sometimes perfect things can have an imperfect effect on a person.

And as the seasons slowly start to change, that kind of makes me sad.

*image above via here*

PS – this post about therapy from my friend Laura at Hollywood Housewife is a great read for any of you contemplating it.

5 Responses
  1. September 23, 2013

    From one former four-season gal to another, I can totally empathize. I’m watching all my NYC friends start to bundle up in sweaters and boots, and sure I can do that here in San Diego (in due time), but it just feels wrong! Almost as wrong as it feels to sip on a pumpkin spice latte. This year will be my first Christmas on the West Coast, and I’m sure I will totally bug out.

    You’re not alone!

  2. September 23, 2013

    I’m right there with you too! I lived much of my life in westchester county and the hudson valley of NY and I now live in Austin, TX. I went from one of the best fall foliage areas of the countries to 100 degree heat in late September. This will be my third fall without seeing the leaves change, and my heart is aching for them 🙁

    • WWGD permalink*
      September 27, 2013

      Ack, that hurts. For me, it’s word of the first snowfalls around the country that REALLY get me. And listening to Jingle Bells in 80 degree heat. Slays me every time. And everyone hates us for complaining…sigh. 😉

  3. September 23, 2013

    Sending you good autumnal vibes. ♥

    The Rambling Fangirl

    • WWGD permalink*
      September 27, 2013

      Ha ha, thank you!

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