Post Holiday Bummer

Now that the holiday season is but a memory, I don't know about you, but doesn't it seem like every year, it goes by faster and faster? I would love to be able to put life into slow motion from November through the New Year, just to fully enjoy every bit of it, then I'd fast forward to April, when the flowers start to bloom, the air is warmer, and the days are noticeably longer.

Even though we live in the South, we still get crappy weather, and the days are shorter, just like everyone else's, but we don't get the snow and ice. It's those rainy cloudy days that do something with the mood, for sure.

What do you do to combat seasonal affective disorder?

I am thankful that that season only lasts, maybe two months here, so we are lucky in that respect.

I tend to try new things, to refocus my energy; like new hobbies, a different workout, going out to new restaurants or coffee shops with my girls, that type of thing.

For example, I tend to like to tackle a project inside the house, such as new shelves, or putting in new bathroom faucets, along with a new towel rack, to give the space a completely different look, without breaking the bank.

That project is actually one that we are going to be starting soon, along with adding shelving to our large hall closet, to make it more user friendly. I am also looking for new ideas on giving the kitchen pantry shelves a nicer look and replacing the door with a more fun farmhouse look. Our farmhouse isn't even two years old, but I find myself wanting to make small changes here and there, nothing major.

I have also added a new hobby that I turned into a side business. My husband bought me a laser engraver right before Christmas, and I started making personalized recipe boards, cutting boards and coasters, out of wood or slate, among other fun things. These are just a few things you can do, or at least these are the things I tend to do to distract me away from the dull weather of winter.

Grant it, I know I should be working on my next two books that are in limbo, but writer's block stinks and it is a real thing. Ask any writer...

Next week I will be back to recording podcasts for my Book Obsessed Author podcast, so I am excited to be getting back to that. Over the last couple of months, I've read probably more than a dozen new books, so I have a lot to cover.

In the meantime, I hope you all find that special hobby, home project, or thing that makes your days brighter and gives you what you need to get through the winter.