Faithful to Fashion

As a chronic sufferer of seasonal depression, this time of year is usually reserved for staying in, bed rotting, and ordering fast food. This year I’m finally going to challenge that mindset by focusing on simple things that bring me joy and cutting out anything that drains me. There is no excuse for me to not take advantage of each day of winter as I do the sunniest days of summer.

In

1. Solo dates – No one to rush you into getting ready, no need to compromise on restaurants, and no one to distract you from truly treating yourself. Time spent with your own thoughts is just as important as time spent with others. Don’t sacrifice that out of fear of judgement because as someone who goes on solo dates weekly, I can say I have never experienced it.
2. Live theatre – Go out and see art the intended way. Force yourself to cut out all the distractions of the real world and appreciate the gifts of other humans. (also it’s Nutcracker season aka the easiest time to do that!)
3. Scrapbooking – The perfect craft night activity. For the quiet nights in, going through and putting your favorite old pictures and memories onto paper is much more stimulating than scrolling through social media. Plus, It’ll give you a beautiful reminder of the good times and give you a time capsule to look back years from now.
4. Being overdressed – I have yet to find something to boost my energy and confidence as much as wearing my best outfit. No reason I can’t do that to run errands or grab a coffee.
5. Cheetah print – Nothing to add. I just love it and it feels like a cheetah print month.

Out

1. High maintenance friendships – Protect your peace! Your most important relationship will always be with yourself. Put the work into that one and the right friendships, the ones that feel easy, will find their way to you.
2. Online shopping – Instead get up, put on a cute outfit, have a carpool karaoke session to the store, try on a million things, interact with real humans, and maybe even stop for dinner after. Make it an experience.
3. Minimalism – There is such much color and design to enjoy in the world why limit yourself when instead you could build a beautiful world around you. Create a warm, welcoming, and interesting to look at space. (maybe even little messy)
4. Chain stores – On top of the product usually being superior, local businesses also have a unique charm you can’t beat. But the best part is knowing you are supporting the dreams of someone in your community.
5. Doomscrolling – Maybe switch to some slightly healthier scrolling. I recommend Substack and Pinterest. Still not as good as just putting the phone away, but trying to be realistic.

Extra good luck to anyone who feels a little dimmer over the winter. Never give up on yourself and keep looking for and prioritizing the little things that add a spark to your day.