The November Blues arrive quietly each year, carried in on the gray overcast skies that settle over us at 42° north. As the sun retreats and the days shorten, I’m reminded once again of the cyclical nature of life—light giving way to darkness and then, slowly, returning.
Over the years, I’ve learned a few ways to head off the seasonal dip in energy and mood (those familiar SADs—Seasonal Affective Disorders). First, I increase my Vitamin D3 to compensate for the loss of sunlight. Then comes the “blue light” on my desk, which helps reset my circadian rhythm when the natural signals go missing. And, of course, I allow myself a bit more sleep as I wait patiently for the light to return. Only five more months until spring, I remind myself.
This season also nudges me to ask a different question—not “Why is this happening?” but “What’s good about this?” That shift alone brings a surprising amount of perspective.
Daily walks help, too. This year, we’ve been blessed with stretches of blue sky and unseasonably warm temperatures. Each afternoon, I take long walks through our historic district neighborhood. Getting outdoors makes all the difference—not just for my physical health, but for my mental well-being.
So, as I settle in and wait for that first significant snowfall, I ask again: What’s good about this? What is life trying to teach me now? And yes—I ask ChatGPT, What is it I should learn next?