Did you know that Daylight Saving Time (DST) started in the U.S. back in 1918 but was stopped in 1920 amidst great controversy? It restarted again during World War II. Clocks were set one hour ahead to save oil as folks went to bed earlier and rose with the sun. Our current Daylight Saving Time program has been in place since 2007 (Source: The Old Farmer’s Almanac).
If you’ve been following me, you already know that fall is my favorite season. I absolutely love this time in Northeast Pennsylvania for many reasons. October was a beautiful month (for the most part) and I’m really sad to see it go. But as the last day of October descends upon us, so does the last day of eating dinner in the daylight.
Daylight saving means that we turn the clocks back an hour tonight. These days, I couldn’t care less about the extra hour of sleep but I strongly dislike the fact that the sun will set at 5:00 pm tomorrow and even earlier as we approach Christmas. The days are getting shorter, darker, and colder….ugghh. Those long, sunny summer days make me so happy.
My husband says that we hibernate in the winter, which means that we get home from work, change into comfy clothes, eat dinner, and plop on the couch. We barely see our neighbors as we usually leave the house while it’s still dark and return in the dark. This year, however, I’m committed to hibernating less and focusing on things that improve my life and bring me joy. 2020 has taught me a lot about NOT taking things for granted.
I’ve decided to be very mindful about this journey and spend time each day focusing on the many things I have to be thankful for. I figure that now is a perfect time. Thanksgiving is only 26 days away now.
I hope you’ll join me on this 25-day journey where we think deeply about our blessings and hopefully spread some joy and optimism to others. I’m really excited about this project. I think it will be good for my soul and help me through some seasonal hibernation/depression. Plus, it appropriately culminates on Thanksgiving Day….one of my favorite holidays. Cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Let’s get ready to rock this!
With gratitude –
Denise 🙂
This is a great way to approach this time of year! The darkness can definitely get you down, but being mindful of what you are truly blessed with is a wonderful idea to help with that. Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome, Leisha. I lived in Florida last winter and I didn’t seem to mind the early darkness as much but I’m back in Pennsylvania now so I’m planning ahead! Take care! Denise
This is really a good idea! I hate how it gets dark so early and it makes you just want to go to bed at 6pm. lol Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you Robin. I agree, it does make you want to go to bed early, especially when you come home from work and put your pajamas on! 🙂 Be well – Denise
I love this idea! I was just thinking about this the other day when I looked outside at 5 o’clock and it was pretty much pitch black. It makes everything feel so much later than it is. I definitely need to spend some time reflecting on what I am thankful for each day.
Hi Sarah – Thanks for the kind words 🙂 The darkness is depressing and can really get you down. My “25 Days of Giving Thanks” project has really been helpful. I write every post in real time and give thought to each individual day’s blessings. In fact, I still have to finish today’s post!! I hope you follow along. I would love to know what you are thankful for too! Be well :-). Denise
I Love Fall too. I actually wrote a post about it. But once we turn back the clocks, I begin to notice the Blues hitting me. I think its good that you are making a point to try to combat it. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Shanna! Great to meet a fellow “fan of fall” – I will make it a point to head over to your blog and read your post about fall. If only it could look and feel like September/October all year long!!! Take care!