This Sunday feels particularly challenging. The weather is dark, the cold is biting, and the weight of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) feels heavier than ever. I’ve navigated the winter months for years with a toolkit of coping mechanisms, but this season feels different—more persistent, more relentless. It’s as if even my usual strategies are struggling to keep up. In moments like these, I’m reminded that adaptation is sometimes necessary for survival.
When I realized my usual methods weren’t providing the relief I needed, I paused to think through other options. But I quickly recognized something else: I was exhausted. Deeply, profoundly exhausted. So, I did the only thing that felt right—I rested. I allowed myself the space to recharge, to gather the energy needed to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Sometimes, survival isn’t about pushing harder; it’s about knowing when to stop and replenish.
In her seminal work You Can Heal Your Life, Louise Hay emphasizes the power of releasing what no longer serves us. She writes, “Release is the act of letting go, of surrendering to the universe, and trusting that it will take care of the rest” (Hay, 1984, p. 56). While this concept is easier said than done, I’ve found that there’s profound truth in it. Releasing control, even when it feels uncomfortable, can be a crucial step toward finding balance and peace.
This idea of self-awareness and emotional balance is echoed by Daniel Goleman in his groundbreaking book Emotional Intelligence. Goleman (1995) argues that “knowing oneself is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence” (p. 43). By understanding our emotions, triggers, and needs, we can navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and clarity. For me, this means acknowledging the impact of SAD, honoring my need for rest, and being gentle with myself as I adapt to this particularly tough season.
As I reflect on this seventh Sunday, I’m reminded that survival isn’t always about fighting harder—it’s about adapting, resting, and releasing. It’s about trusting that even in the darkest, coldest moments, there is a path forward. And sometimes, that path begins with a deep breath, a moment of rest, or a quiet act of surrender to the universe.
Here’s to finding light, even in the darkest of days.
References
Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantam Books.
Hay, L. (1984). You can heal your life. Hay House.
Comments