Weathering

I can't tell you how wonderful it's been to have sunny Spring weather again. A month ago, we were all staggering around under the weight of scarves, beanies, heavy overcoats and 14 layers of clothing. Now, the sun has appeared and life is beautiful.

It wasn't until the sun came out that I realised how much the weather had been affecting our collective mood. When we were in the middle of a rainy, freezing winter, lots of things happened:

• People didn't go out as much, because the weather was bad. Constant life indoors makes you stir crazy.
  
• People who did go out noticed the absence of those who didn't. Emptier churches made you sad, and less inclined to go the next week.
  
• Cold, grey days made for cold, grey people. The depression levels in our community rose considerably.
  
• When people are cold and miserable, sometimes they assume that it's someone else's fault. Complaints rose considerably.
• If you're complained to on a regular basis, you tend to pass it on. If not, you just internalise it and wonder what's wrong with you.

I've known about SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) for some time now, but this is the most extreme demonstration of its existence I have yet had. My resolution for next winter is not to be discouraged about winter-negativity, but to try and understand. It's not them.
It's the rain.