Surviving a Dark Winter with some Light.
How dark will it be?
Every time I hear about this dark winter on its’ way, my mind runs amok. I am not a fan of the cold weather and I do not like the darkness. Except for the moment before I fall asleep.
But they keep saying it: Prepare for a Dark Winter.
All I can say is ugh. I know what they mean. They are trying their best to prepare us for what is ahead in terms of the growing COVID-19 cases and a winter that may very well be spent indoors back in our bubble. They are trying to warn us that this could get much worse if the trend continues. They are trying to warn us that if we don’t wear masks and follow some basic guidelines that have been suggested, it could be like it was in March. But darker.
I get it, yet every time I hear it, I feel unnerved. I picture being in the dark for days on end like we were during Storm Sandy. That desperate worry about candles lasting as long as we needed. Fearful of batteries in my lantern running out. And mostly, because of my fears of the dark, I pictured being terrified about what was lurking in the spaces I could not see.
The unknown.
Yet that is not really this at all. If you live where I live, Yardley PA, it’s already getting dark by 5pm. At around 6pm, when we should be thinking about dinner, I am wondering if it is too early to get into pajamas. And by 8pm, am convinced (since it has been dark for so long) that it is nearly 11pm. We have been ordering in food since last April (we were too afraid in March), are comfortable with 30 minute visits to the food store and rely heavily on long walks and hikes on the canal as entertainment, as well as alot of outdoor workouts. We are fortunate in that my husband and I both work from home, and did before the pandemic as well, so that part hasn’t changed. The kids are also working from home, but given their late teen ages, the hardest part was accepting we could make it work in a positive way. After that, it has felt like a gift to have them home.
The unknown is what we fear, but it is not what makes us crazy. It is the inner dialogue about the unknown that sends us into a tailspin. . You can cave in and get back into bed for the winter, you know, like the bears, or you can create commentary around the unknown dark winter that helps you stay in motion.
I prefer the second option because I am motivated by the possibility , not the guarantee.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.
So let’s recreate this inner dialogue, being mindful about the light we choose. First let’s begin by stating the things that we do know to make it feel less dark. The coming dark winter may simply be similar to last March, except with shorter days and less warmth (depending on where you live). Since you DID survive last March, as well as April, etc, there is no reason to think you can’t survive it again.
Here are some perspective shifts to help:
The light. If you seek, you shall find…
Truth: Literally speaking, the darkness will be comparable to what it is now around dinner time.
Light: The changing of seasons is a reminder that this too shall pass.Truth: We won’t need batteries for lanterns or flashlights.
Light: Solar lights added to your back deck might be the perfect answer to a night out. A little mood lighting for a spot that isn’t usually used in the winter will be a nice addition to ordering food in, but being able to go out. Even if just out back.Truth: We won’t need to rely on the fire place the keep the house warm.
Light: But the fireplace is a great addition to a chilly winter night when staying home may be the only answer. You can even buy an electric fire place to plug in anywhere in the house!Truth: You may get tired of staying in!
Light: Buy a heat lamp for your back deck or patio, bring out the bluetooth stereo system, even a cocktail or two, and you and your bubble can have your own nightlife!Truth: Some days it may feel hard to get out of bed in the morning, especially when you don’t have anywhere to go.
Light: Try adding a heated spot light to your bathroom! Getting inspired to take a shower and start the day is much easier when you know you will be able to feel the warmth radiating from the ceiling.Truth: Candles won’t be needed for this dark winter because the power will be on.
Light: But get them anyway because they can be a great mood lifter. Recruit family members to work in teams to make dinner each night. Have younger ones pair up with older family members if needed, but make it fun! Lower the lights and light as many candles as you can find. Feel free to use scented ones to allow the sweet smell to blanket the house. Add music to the background and you will quickly have your own house party!
We can do this! Not only that, but this time we know for sure that it is temporary and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If you can keep that knowledge right up front, you may even have the opportunity to enjoy this time. Time that you may never have again. For some of us, that may be a relief, but don’t be so quick to assume that is you. In fact, some of you are really going to miss your little bubble when life goes back to normal.
So…find the light. It’s there if you want it.