my training as a seasonal warrior
a lot of research, personal experiments, wins and losses
The basics.
As I write this, I am 51, female, Canadian and have been dealing with stoopid effing seasonal affective since the early 80’s, maybe earlier. In hindsight it really kicked in with puberty. Good times, y’all, good times.
Regardless, I’m here to share all I’ve learned and am learning about this annoying affliction.
A lifetime of learning, this is your cheat sheet.
I’ve spent decades building my toolkit against SAD; I’ve moved to tropical locations, I’ve focused on seasonal work, I’ve passed on what could have been amazing partners while I was still getting ‘miss miserable’ under control. I’ve taken herbs, vitamins,and prescriptions. Followed, failed and made workout routines. Tried colour therapy, aroma therapy, meditation and hypnotherapy. I’ve self medicated with alcohol, tanning booths, mary jane and mushrooms. I’ve journaled, blogged, facebooked, coloured, recorded and left notes for future self, drank to much, ate too little,
This is my gift to you. A cheat sheet, a path, a set of instructions. Links to articles, playlists and videos, a guide to books, supplements, art and journaling supplies and all kinds of other self care.
Whatever you to want to call it all, it is a tried and true methods to help keep the seasonal affective demons at bay.
The Library.
I’ve read a lot of books, fiction and non-fiction. Some seeking help with SAD and others to try and take my mind off it and even others to strengthen my inner and exterior warrior. I share, hoping some help others they way they helped me.
Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in the Everyday - Matthew Sockolov
Definitely worth it.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Illustrated): 1876 Classic with Illustrations
It’s Mark Twain’s ability to capture emotion, humour and youth. Makes me laugh every time I read it!
Dive into the Epic - East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Immerse yourself into generational saga worthy of it’s classic status and a regular re-read.
Where the Sidewalk Ends: Poems and Drawings
Shel Silverstein
A happy book of fun poems that make me smile and often giggle, in fucking February.
The Yoga Anatomy Coloring Books
Kelly Solloway (Author), Samantha Stutzman (Illustrator)
Colouring, learning, moving and strengthening the warrior, so many good things about this book. You deserve awesome pencil crayons
Native American Herbalists Book of Remedies
Wolf Moon Healer
This!
Music! It’s a big thing in the world of mental health. Being aware of what you’re listing to, can make or break a day. Below some handy happy playlists to follow on Spotify.
*make your own and share it on @theseasonalsamurai
Shout out to this fantastic organization!
A*M*P The Awesome Music Project
Give ‘em a look, they’re doing great things
It’s like I’m two people with a personality tide that goes in and out with the equinoxes. I’m best in high water when I have all my tools in the boat and float safely until the tide goes out again”
— Melissa Whittle the OG Seasonal Samurai