Has Summer Gone or have you lost your sunshine?

Having recently returned from honeymoon, I could possibly be excused for feeling a little blue, especially with coming back from a very beautiful warm destination back to a pretty grey, gloomy and wet British July.

However, I really don't. I've never been as excited as I currently am with everything that is going on in my life, I'm a newly married man which is a completely new chapter. The little idea whilst walking in the lakes 2 years ago is now a growing company. I have an amazing family which is now doubled in size! I really am blessed and I won't go on anymore as it sounds like I'm just gloating which isn't my intention.

One thing I noticed on my return (and it's something that we all see / hear time and time again) is the staggering number of people complaining about the weather and almost using it as a justification for being miserable. It is something I've seen before and of course, I've complained on the odd occasion when plans have changed or weather has caused a certain outcome, yet I don't ever recall allowing a grey sky and spot of rain to send me spiralling into dark depression. It just got me thinking as I became more aware of how many people appear affected by this phenomenom.

The affliction 'Seasonal Affective Disorder' (SAD) has become an adult in terms of the growing number of unnecessary diagnoses that have sprouted in recent years. Ok, maybe this seems harsh and I am fully aware that vitamin D actually does help boost mood levels, but I do think that giving up your state of being to an uncontrollable force is pretty crazy.

Studies actually show that it isn't just sunshine that boosts mood but the combination of fresh air, sunlight, and natural surroundings all culminate towards mental state. Yet, these things aside, I believe that it simply comes down to choice. This doesn't require a diagnosis, just a decision:

We either chose to lead content lives rich with clarity over things that we have control over.

or

We submit to the uncontrollable giving our happiness to the god of weather and allow a rain cloud to wipe the smile from our faces. (even when it's sunny it is usually 'too hot'!)

Don't get me wrong - sunshine is nice and in Britain, we certainly seem to be robbed of the odd day (or summer) of sunlight. However, compared to the rest of the world, we live in a relatively stable and safe environment, have rich industry, quality of life and fantastic opportunity.

Actually, having hot and sunny days is even more special due to it's infrequency. I've spent over a year in the Middle East and everyday, 40+ degrees everyday can be pretty intense.

That'll do for my thoughts today