Nights of Passion

Welcome to Nights of Passion Blog, everyone!

A big thank you to Anne Nygard on Unsplash for the perfect picture, as it completely fits the topic today.

There are different reasons you might feel this way, so I have included info about SAD, losing a spouse, generally not fitting in, and what I did when I felt that way in my life. Gaze over the lists. Something might resonate with you to try. It is always your choice.

What do you do if you don’t fit? The darkness of winter can get to us and make us sad. It’s called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I have it. Many people who live in the north do. We will talk about that too.

Let’s look at my lists for ideas. I am not expecting you to do all these things, and neither should you. Do what feels right. Millions of people feel they don’t fit, especially during this season.

In the event, you think it’s a matter of SAD. (Many of these can work even if you don’t have SAD.)

1. Open all the shades and drapes in the morning.
2. Walk around in the air. Add a routine that is outside (if your physician agrees).
3. Go to social events in your community.
4. Find fun things to do where you interact with other people. You might just find ‘your’ people.
5. Do cherished hobbies and find those that cherish that hobby too.
6. Go to the library, especially library events if you enjoy talking about books or learning a new craft.
7. Talk to your doctor about SAD. You might need light therapy or supplements.
   
   Here is a website I’m referencing in the event you want to know more about SAD. https://rw-c.org/combat-sad/

It’s not SAD, and you still don’t feel like you fit in. Look at these suggestions and choose what applies to you.

1. For one thing, why do you have to fit in? Loneliness. I get that. Go to club or community events where you can meet people.
2. Donate your time to a charity. You will meet people this way too. Choose a charity that is close to your heart.
3. Go to the library, go to section you love reading, and ask the nearest person for a book recommendation.
4. Take a winter session course at a local college.
5. When you receive a personal invitation to a gathering, accept it.
6. Hang out with family and/or friends – plan a get-together – call them up.
7. Go to your church. You may find old friends there or make new friends at a church event. If you don’t have a place of worship, visit different churches. You may feel peace in one.
8. If you have a dog or cat or any pet that you can play with, play with them.
9. Buy music. You might want to take up an instrument.
10. Take an art class. Go to art shows and demonstrations.
11. If nothing seems to work, see your physician. Your unhappy feelings could be medical. Take care of yourself so you can enjoy your life.
    
    Now this is about the holidays in particular, especially if you’ve lost a loved one.
    
    1. If you have lost a loved one, the holidays can be very sad. Make a new tradition of honoring them.
    2. Get together with people who cared about them, too. It is important at this time not to forget your other loved ones.
    3. Keep a journal. Write about your loved one. Write how you feel.
    4. Give yourself some time to grieve, but don’t be alone all the time. Reach out to others.
    5. Go to counseling.
    Here is a website you might want to look at for ideas. https://articles.griefshare.org/grieving-with-hope/surviving-the-holidays-after-losing-your-spouse
    
    What did I do when I felt I didn’t fit in?
    
    1. I searched for a year, visited and talked to people, before I found the church where I belonged in my heart.
    2. I accepted myself. I decided I was worth it.
    3. I chose to hang out with people who were different. Theater people! Writers! Artists!
    4. Consider joining a choir. Try out!
    5. I found my spouse at work. Don’t shortchange the workplace for making friends and possibly finding love. It is a great thing when people are friends before becoming spouses.
    6. I volunteered. In my case, I was a Girl Scout Leader for a great many years. I loved camping, craft making, skill building, and going on trips with the scouts.
    7. I celebrate my passion in life, which is writing. In my lifetime so far, I have been a writing teacher in adult education. I have given workshops on writing. Most of all, I write every day. Writing letters to friends also counts. Hemingway wrote letters.
    8. I write books. Every night I dream of a book. Every morning I write.
    9. Make things! I make little lace angels. A relative makes pottery. Find something fun to make.
    
    Well, those are the lists at this time! There are always new things and places to explore. I hope you have found them helpful. We don’t always fit in, and at times it is good to be alone to concentrate on a fun project or enjoy some solitude. Love yourself and smile.
    
    After everything is done, relax with some fun movies or read a great book. Scroll down to see some of my romance/paranormal fantasies. I have sweet and steamy! Visit my website: susanhannifordcrowley.com for details on each book. Reading any of my books means you are reading my dream journal. Now how cool is that!
    
    Be safe and warm.

All the best always,
Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley
susanhannifordcrowley.com

New Release: David & Laura: A Vampire Christmas Story: Arnhem Knights Special Edition: is available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback

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