Beating the winter blues

A lot of people get the "winter blues" when winter drags on too long.  This was especially true when we lived in Alaska.  Where we were it wasn't too bad, but the light in those winter days became awfully short.  Way up on the north in Alaska where they don't see the sun for some time, people even get special lights to keep depression away.  Also, drinking was a big problem and I am sure it had it lot to do with that.

We now live in the Rockies of Colorado and it is not that extreme but winter can definitely get long.  So what is a person to do to get through winter and try to avoid the "blues"?

Some of our friends whom we have known for some time head south and that is a great answer.  However, for most of us, we are rather stuck where we are and being a "snow bird" is more like a dream!  So is there anything else we can do?

One of the most important things I have found that effects my attitude, and in turn my mood, is the act of being thankful.  Even on a cold winter day there is nothing more beautiful then blue skies with snow covered mountains.  Get out there and enjoy God's creation. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says in all things give thanks!  All things even means a long winter!  Ephesians 5:20 says to always be giving thanks for ALL things, which pretty much sums it up.

Another thing that helps is to try and enjoy winter rather than just enduring it.  Get the old  snow shoes on and go after if for a few miles.  Or do some skiing if you are into that.  If money is a problem, do cross country as it is a whole lot cheaper than downhill.  Force yourself  to go out if you can.  Meet somebody for a cup of coffee.  Stay active and don't just "mope" around hoping for summer to come.  I read an interesting article about how folks in the Scandinavian countries endure their very, very long winter.  They have learned to go with the flow.  They celebrate winter and find all kinds of things to do to make it fun.  By the way, you see how good they are in the winter Olympics in the snow sports.  That is because they are out there doing it.

I hope these ideas have helped you to some degree to enjoy winter and not just look forward for it to end.  Some of the ideas might help in that regard.  But I still think that the most important thing of all is to get up each day and to be thankful for what God has given you.  That will affect your attitude more than anything. 

Thank you God for your goodness and for all your blessings!  You are so good to me!