Ever since I was little, I have loved summer and the sun. How despite the 92 million miles in between, the sun looks for you. Through the cumulus clouds and the glossy green leaves of the tall trees there to cast their mosaic-pattern shadows. How the warmth that floats in the air makes the tanginess of limes seep through their porous skin. And the breeze that tangles your hair while combing it.

Everything about nice weather and sunny days are my biggest inspiration. Inspiration to go out and enjoy life, paint, bike and dance. This is why winter is especially hard for me.

When the sun begins to set before 7 p.m. and the ground gets covered in the white shimmery blanket of snowflakes, I know it is time for the sun and I to part ways once more. In the winter, it is hard for me to find inspiration and subsequently, happiness.

This feeling of needing sun light comes from something called Seasonal Depression Disorder also known as S.A.D. It is a mental disorder that comes seasonally. It usually brings its best friend. Anxiety.

According to Psychology Today, over 10 million Americans suffer from S.A.D. It is usually treated through light therapy or anti-depressants. This disorder is part of me. It influences my actions, when and what I eat, even what I feel like wearing.

 As the heavy clouds that have been a wall between the sun and I, begin to shift to a different part of the world, my joy begins to grow back. We will soon be packing up our winter coats and throwing things away that we no longer need. What else will we be relinquishing? Will the feelings of winter get thrown away too?

The excitement that comes from our surroundings defrosting and the grass once again is starting to peek out of the soil.