Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is so much more than just a case of the winter blues. It?s a sign that our brains and our bodies aren?t in harmony with the world around us. Last winter, I was struck by SAD, unable to shake free from its cold grip until the snow finally stopped falling in June, months after my Florida-raised brain had expected spring to arrive.

I know for many, summer was brutal this year, with temps in the 90s lasting until almost October. Personally, I loved it, lay in it, soaked up as much as I could, damaging my skin to deliver dopamine to my brain. And then a winter weather advisory alert cannonballed into my inbox the first week of October, warning eight inches of snow would soon follow.

I wasn?t ready for that yet. So, I did what any sane Coloradan would do: shut my blinds, ordered the SAD lamp recommended by Wirecutter and some removable palm tree decals to liven up those blinds, and pretended it wasn?t happening.

It was quite an effective strategy. I work from home, and the snow was gone 24 hours later. By the time it returned, my light therapy would be well underway.

I am happy to report it?s working. My blinds are open, and I am loving the brisk fresh air that comes with the season. I?ve even geared up so I can bum a buddy pass or two and try to ski some powder again this year. (I grew up in New Hampshire, so skiing ice is my speciality. When I hit powder, my ass hits the ground. I?ll get the hang of it soon.)

Along with tips on how to combat SAD, we?ve packed this issue with topics that cover the full spectrum of what?s new and what?s next. It?s our way of celebrating the arrival of a new year, a new decade. A ray of light in the middle of a long winter, a reminder to be brilliant and send good vibes out to the world.

Don?t be sad. Spring is on its way.

Stephanie Wilson
@stephwilll