Spring....Finally Here

This was one of the longest winters ever! Im sure I've said this in the past, but this one really felt extended. I know. Sometimes I feel like it's the only thing I have to say, but with nothing to take our minds off being cooped up in the house, there is really  no other way to feel about it (in my opinion). I hate to be that person that complains about the season/weather but I am that person who is highly sensitive to these things. The weather, sunlight exposure, and seasons affect my mood, motivation, and my overall frame of mind, more than the average person. I tend to get depressed during the winter months, and quiet frankly, I dont think I can take many more of these 6 month long stretch of feeling down, depressed, and not being interested in doing much more than nothing. I am so much more productive, present, pleasant, and happy during sunny warm days. Even cloudy warm days, as long as it's not freezing or snowing. I got a comment on one of my previous posts from someone I highly respect that made me feel a bit better about this issue. She stated she had to move away from the North East because her seasonal depression was ruining her life. This truly made me feel so much better about what I go through every winter. I thought it was a character flaw for the longest time and now I know this is the direct result of my environment.  The worst part of these long winters in watching the kids, especially Damien, sit in the house with nothing to do. I can't help but feel responsible for this and I am at a lost of activities (that don't cost money) for them to do. With Amar'e we can draw, play, pretend, jump, run etc. But with Damien......maybe a board game? Cards?  So to pass the time he plays his Xbox. This kills me because I know if it were warmer and sunny he would be outside shooting hoops and playing with the neighborhood kids. I feel helpless to change this situation. As it gets nicer out he is outside more and playing basketball and other outdoor activities. This brings a smile to my face. The temperature was pretty reasonable lately and we all ventured outside to play, check out the garden area, and look around the house. It almost felt like rediscovering our surroundings all over again.

I couldn't help but throw this one in the mix because of it's cuteness.

Has spring arrived where you are?