I enjoy my own sense of humor.  (See About page) I laughed the entire time I was painting the bird’s butt onto the abstract background.

The impetus of this painting comes from the fact that always around the fall, I seem to shift gears.  I want to try new things and strangely, that seems to lean toward 3D types of work. Some years I’ve knitted practical mittens and scarfs. Many times I’ve reverted to some form of sculpture.

This year I’ve been making Christmas ornaments. I have already constructed a series of “Cheeky Snowballs” and am currently working on a group of sea creatures. I plan to enter them all in an upcoming gallery show for Christmas.

Snowballs

This painting is also “far afield” of my normal style. I was attempting to make an abstract scenery painting… and then inspiration struck and well, here we are.

Although I have been having a lot of fun trying new styles and mediums and creating new types of artwork, it has made me wonder why does Autumn have this effect on me?

Change is natural

A little online sleuthing made me realize that I’m not alone when it comes to making personal changes during transitional seasons; I found a wide range of articles on the subject. 

I don’t think I’m suffering from a depression – because I’m being active in trying new things.  However, depression is a common occurrence in the autumn. Symptoms to look for include:

  • low mood and depression
  • anxiety and excessive worry
  • irritability
  • lethargy, sleepiness, and fatigue
  • loss of interest in everyday activities

The shorter daylight hours seems to be the culprit. The reduction of sunlight leads to falling levels of serotonin and Vitamin D. 

My favorite bit of insight I found on the Good Therapy website: 

“The brain reacts to novel experiences by releasing dopamine. You can naturally increase your dopamine by seeking out new experiences. Any kind of experience will work. You can do something simple like a new hobby or recipe. Or you can try something grand like skydiving. The less familiar you are with the activity, the more likely your brain will reward you with dopamine.”

Have I unconsciously and naturally been finding a solution to my own seasonal blues?

If you suffer from seasonal depression just remember this is a natural response built into our biology. Please reach out to a family member, friend or medical professional if you need help.

Practical Magic

Lastly, there were sites that suggested practical strategies for using the seasonal change to your advantage. Some of my favorites include:

  • shed what no longer serves you – like the leaves dropping from the trees, take stock of what is working or not working in your life and re-prioritize what’s important – maybe clear out a closet or kitchen cabinet. 
  • back to a routine and proper sleep – linked to the “back to school” days – summer is a time of increased activity but as the days shorten and we experience a rise in melatonin levels we could be sleeping in a little longer. Chances are you would benefit from a regular routine. Extra time indoors means you could have more time to work on the goals that took a back seat during summer.
  • Feel a sense of gratitude – Gratitude has been proven over and over to increase a person’s happiness. Try starting a gratitude journal. At the end of each day, write down 3 things that you’re grateful for. Training your brain to focus on abundance and blessings can help increase those feelings of well-being.
  • reconnecting with friends and family – as the hustle and bustle of summer recedes, we can slow down and re-evaluate where we are with our personal relationships. These connections are also beneficial to help combat feelings of loneliness and depression so, call a friend, meet for coffee and catch up. Plan a special dinner for your family – no phones! – and reconnect. 

Introspection

They say that hindsight is 20/20 – and I think that applies here as well. 

I created “Far Afield” with a sense of play – I was just having fun on my own creating something new.  While I painted, my mind wandered down the path of wondering why I tend to shift gears in the fall and that has led to me searching for possible motives. 

I’m thankful for this blog writing process. I’m thankful for the insight I’ve learned. I’m thankful for a re-affirmation that I’m on the right path.

The points that I’ve written about here I have found helpful and I hope you have too.