I have lived on Cape Cod for seven years and find the winters here very depressing. I am now convinced that I suffer from Seasonal Affect Disorder. I have never ever experienced the Eeyore blues as I do here when I am deprived of sunlight and warmth. The ground is frozen. The trees have no leaves and I am the only splash of color in this gloomy gray landscape. I have had a hard time grappling with this because I have never experienced these feelings before. As spring arrives, instantly the dark veil of gloom is lifted. It is replaced by robins in my yard pulling worms from the ground, glorious buds on the ends of branches swelling with new life, and beautiful hints of flowering bulbs waking from the icy ground.
I am convinced that over time, people become acclimated to a certain climate. I also think it is much harder to adapt the older we get. Change is never easy. Even my husband, a native New Englander, now sees the winters as being a little more difficult than they were when he was a kid. It’s days like these when the snow has begun to fall, yet again, that I yearn for that old warm southern California. However, this winter was different.
Usually, I fall victim to the blues around the end of November. This year, it has been mid-February. I think it has a lot to do with the chickens. I look forward to waking up and greeting the chickens each morning. Now they are the burst of color on the gloomy landscape during the Winter. They constantly entertain me and keep me smiling. I love it when they talk to me. I love it when Oyster Cracker is so excited at the prospects of getting treats that she jumps enthusiastically into my lap. I love feeling warm fresh eggs in my hands. I love hearing Chocolate crow. It took me a little while to piece this all together. In years past, I had considered getting a special light box to sit under. I now know that it is not necessary.
4 thoughts on “Beat the Blues with Chickens?”
I think chickens are great therapy, in general. Mine make me smile and laugh on a daily basis. Isn't it wonderful you have such a bright spot on these cold and dreary days? I really love how you love your chickens 🙂
Thank you! I'm glad that the chickens and I found each other. It truly has been a life changing experience. I guess life is full of surprises when you are open to trying new things. Now if only I could get my kids to do that at the dinner table!
Ditto. You're beautifully written post is exactly how I feel about the winter and my hens. Chickens have enhanced my well being!
Thanks Maryann 🙂 I couldn't agree more with these sweet commments! I am so glad that we all share the same love in our hearts for our amazing feathered friends.