Summer or Winter? I Choose ______

 Hi, I’m Judith Ashley, author of The Sacred Women’s Circle series, soul nourishing romantic women’s fiction with light paranormal elements. My stories show you what life could be like if you had a place like The Circle where you are unconditionally accepted, supported and loved. And where, with this support, you make choices to overcome the darkest nights and choose love and light.

Do you prefer Summer or Winter?

If I had to choose one or the other, I’d choose Winter.

Why?

Because, while I don’t mind the sun, I don’t want it shining every day and for long hours each day. I am also not a fan of heat much less humidity.  And for me “heat” is over 80 degrees.

Yes, I’m definitely a Native of the Northwest USA. I sometimes tell people that moss grows on my north side…if you are from this area that is an apt description.

What I find interesting is that I actually have some of the same symptoms my friends with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) have in the long hot summer days. SAD is attributed to not having enough exposure to sunlight. Isn’t it interesting that I have those same symptoms when exposed to lots of sunlight?

Hats with large brims, dark glasses, keeping the blinds drawn, etc. become a way of life once the temps start rising.

This year in May we’ve had record breaking temperatures – 5


over 90 degrees! And at last count (I’m writing this on May 25), over 13 days in the 80’s. Low 80’s I can manage if the humidity is low. What that means for me is I’m already rooting for Fall to appear…not that my rooting will make the Wheel of The Year turn any faster.

The Sacred Women's Circle Series

So when people are high-fiving and out running or walking or just being outside because it is Sunny and Hot, I’ll be tucked in my house with the heat pump on cool. If I have to go out, I’ll grab that wide-brimmed hat, long sleeved shirt, don my mask and go forth to take care of errands or to do the extra watering plants and trees need when the temperatures soar.

If you haven’t yet read my books, they are a great vacation or beach read if I do say so myself.

Not into fiction? My non-fiction Staying Sane in A Crazy World gives you a process you can personalize to reduce your stress.

You can find all of my books at your favorite e-book vendor. Be sure to ask your local library if you’d prefer to read my books through that resource.

Learn more about Judith's fiction The Sacred Women’s Circle series and her non-fiction at JudithAshley.net

Check out Judith’s Windtree Press author page.

You can also find Judith on FB! 

© 2023 Judith Ashley

Best Advice for the ‘Dark of the Year’ by Sarah McDermed

Although the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens just before Christmas, for me and millions of other people, the darkest days of the year arrive a few weeks later, in January. We suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or the milder version, “Winter Blues”. The lack of sunlight in the winter months triggers sadness, fatigue, sleepiness, lack of motivation, and depression.

The best advice I give myself in January is to take care of my mental health. I pray and practice gratitude and mindfulness daily. I try hard to eat healthy foods, get regular sleep and exercise regularly. Whenever possible, I spend time outdoors in natural daylight and take walks in the woods. I use a sunrise alarm to help my body’s sleep cycle normalize. During days without sunshine, I spend half an hour reading in front of a 10,000 lux full-spectrum light to fight off the brain fog that threatens to move in.

My husband, Chuck, is my trusted support person who lets me know if he sees signs I may need to talk to my doctor about increasing medication. Depression is a sneaky illness that sufferers my not realize is getting worse. Having someone you trust be honest with you is vital!

Other strategies that help lift me up:

MUTTS AND MISTLETOE

• Avoid sad, scary or negative entertainment options (TV, books, movies, video games).
• Seek out uplifting, funny, satisfying options. (I have a hilarious Holiday book that I read every year, Mutts and Mistletoe. I watch Hallmark and Disney movies lot. This year we’re watching a favorite TV comedy series we haven’t seen in years, Psych).
• Spend more time around other people. (Take your book to a coffee shop, for instance).
• Don’t avoid friends and family gatherings. Instead, ask yourself to anticipate how much you’ll enjoy yourself on a scale of 1 to 10. Write it down. After the event, rate how much you actually enjoyed yourself. Chances are, you will have more fun than you expect.
• Volunteer. Service to others can be very uplifting.
• If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a counselor. You’ll be surprised how much they can help.

If you take care of your mental health as best you can and cut yourself some slack, you’ll find what helps you and you’ll make it through! ~ Sarah