My week last week started with an unexpected feeling of gloom. I describe it as unexpected because nothing specifically had
happened to affect how I was feeling. I knew that I had a busy week ahead, lots of teaching, lots of things going on with the house, but all completely manageable. So why was I feeling so tired, lacking in energy, lacking in motivation, irritable, sad, loss of appetite, anxious?
Firstly, the clocks going back, and quite dramatically it suddenly seemed darker! Could this be one of the causes … well, possibly yes. Just as the seasons change, we also have cycles of change. You may notice this for yourself, in the winter I know I probably eat a bit more comfort food, I may put on a few extra pounds, it’s almost a desire to hibernate as the temperatures drop and the
weather takes a turn for the worse. Then the Spring comes, and my appetite changes and I might lose a few pounds, and overall feel lighter and brighter.
I know there are lots of you who have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and although I wouldn’t
say I have, those of you who do probably face this cycle of change every year and go through these feelings and much worse, as you manage these next few months.
It’s definitely a reflection of a natural
rhythm of life which follows the seasonal rhythm of nature, and what’s happening outside, will be reflected inside.
Secondly, I talked this through with my Mindset Coach this week and thought I would share the lessons I have learned. They relate to
acceptance and recognition. Accepting that this was how I was feeling this week, and recognising what ‘Jane’ needs right now, knowing that this is temporary. Everything is temporary and will change, just as the natural cycle will change.
This may resonate with you in that you recognise the need to allow things to settle. For me I needed to teach my classes, work with my one-to-ones, let things happen with the house, but within this come to an agreement with myself — not to take on more in a busy week, plan some time out at the end of a busy period, and if I’m not feeling the gratitude use my journal to let other feelings out, then make a decision to let these feelings go, and BEING WITH IT rather than ‘getting through it’.
If you recognise any of these feelings, then I hope this has helped in some way. The most important thing to remember is that everything is temporary,
nothing is fixed, and everything will change.
