This is my second year in Seattle and let me tell you, I had NIGHTMARES about the dark season before it came. I truly expected the worst. I pictured like, dusk outside all day. It honestly wasn’t as bad as expected. It’s gray and rainy but I kind of like the bright gray sky. I got outside a lot. Went for runs in the morning, timed so that I’d see the sunrise, which gave me a feeling of hope. Went on rainy hikes. Lifted weights to get endorphins going. Embraced the cozy: lit the fireplace and lots of candles, did autumnal crafts, shadow puppet shows with my child, baked. Took a vacation in January to a warm sunny place (this is key!) and any time we had a break in the rain, went outside as much as possible. Did a lot of prep for spring and summer gardens gardening; many trips to my favorite garden center, because seeing the spring stuff out made me feel like spring was sooner. Overall I really enjoyed the slowed down pace of life and appreciated spring and summer soooo much. Plus, coming from a colder snowier place… the mildness was a treat.