What is this artificial light before me, and why on earth am I scrolling beneath its glow? It should be daylight by now, but the coming winter has other ideas. So here I sit, letting my Happy Light sear my eyes while waiting for the coffee gurgle to complete. Of course, it would’ve been much easier if I’d ground my beans the night before or opted for the instant variety. But alas, like many of us, I simply turned out the kitchen light, perpetuated my personal suffering, and went to bed.
Either way, coffee is a weak protagonist against winter’s cloak, yet we stand united, with cups before us, fighting the PNW darkness as we drop our kids off at school in what still feels like the middle of the night. We all laugh about it, seeking out patches of sunlight here and there in the absurd hope of a little warmth.
Winter, I think, is good for humor. Things seem funnier when it’s colder. There’s something wonderfully absurd about finally getting the fire going, just in time to leave for the polar plunge.
Summer is too heroic, too serious, and too determined. Too much fitness, sport, health, fresh food, and “good vibes.” I much prefer the dank, dark hole-in-the-wall bar come winter. Big puffy coats and big puffy people bouncing into each other, smiling, hoping the jukebox will blast another tune.
Wintering is embracing all of this and laughing at our lives. Loving each other, supporting each other, cheering on the team, scolding the politician, and if we’re fortunate, having a lovely pair of feet to keep us warm.
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Michael Loeffler is a psychotherapist in Hood River, where he lives with his family. His writing explores the connections between everyday life, the natural world, and our inner lives. He also leads the Odd Men’s Group, exploring masculinity, relationships, work, and meaning.
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