Time in the sun
We are smack dab in the middle of our late fall-early winter time in the sun. We've been heading to Mexico for 4 years now in an attempt to prevent my annual no sun Seasonal Affective Disorder melt down.
SAD is a seasonal depression and for me is characterized by drawing away from people and anxiety over any decision I need to make. Sometimes even the decision between tea or coffee can be a challenge!
I've struggled Christmas for as long as I can remember and as the Birth of our Savior is a key part of my faith that really really sucked!!!! But when I realized that Christmas occurred during the shortest days of the year, things became a bit clearer and brighter!
I was diagnosed over 20 years ago with SAD and instead of medication chose light therapy. The light works like a charm but requires I sit in front of it for 45 minutes to an hour or more each day from mid October to March.
So I spend 7 full days in the sun in November and the light hardly gets used! I call that a win!!!!
We work hard all year to make these possible and I am blessed by God's gift of a loving and caring husband who makes this happen!
We stay at Riu Lupita, south of Playa Del Carmen and love this smaller all inclusive resort very much. Food is great. Drinks are plenty. Beds are comfy. Rooms are clean. Sun shines during the day. What more could we ask?
This trip we swam with the fishes and spent a day snorkeling in the world's 2nd largest reef. We had a fantastic day! We will certainly do it again with alltournative.
We are trying to get as many steps in each day as we can. The resort is not on the beach and we take a shuttle there and back at no extra charge. The shuttle will also drop us off at the edge of town (Playa Del Carmen) and we walk to the beach and pick up the shuttle for the ride back to the resort.
Every day this week we've had a massive downpour of rain. It has happened late in the afternoon, during the night or early morning. Every morning is truly a fresh new day.
'He' is the light of the world. Matthew 5:14
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. John 1:9
The resort is decorated for Christmas.
So as we start our countdown of days left in Mexico we begin planning for Christmas. We've learned over the years to keep things simple. So simple we haven't brought out any decorations or put up a tree! I say 'we' as hubby has been so super supportive during this journey.
I've joined a few Facebook groups focused on SAD and always try to encourage those who are feeling the effects of the season to...
push thru, we know things will get better
Take things one day at a time
Keep things simple, as simple as we can make it
AND
Not make any life changing decisions!!!!
My prayer for everyone during this season is to focus on the good we have around us. Some days it may be small, like the beauty of a single snowflake landing on a car windshield or the laugh of a child as she plays in the pool. Some days it may be a really good cup of tea or a warm hug by a loved one.
The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5
So, my friends. Rejoice this season in the small things. Smile!!!! You may not be SAD but you never know how that smile will reach even the darkest corners!!!!
Merry Christmas!
