It’s that time of year where I struggle. Despite being well and truly half way through it but nowhere near the end.
‘I’m over it’ is my general response these days to ‘How are you?’
Too bad if you were hoping for less honesty.
Barely in our third week of term, my little boy asked me how many days left until holidays. Man, did he have a tornado when I told him 35.
The meltdown happened all over again when five minutes later he also asked his teacher.
Sorry, kid. THIRTY-FIVE it is. Nothing more and definitely nothing less.
The weather is wild and woolly. The lack of light and the freezing temperatures are affecting my moods and a case of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) has kicked in.
It doesn’t help that there is so much tragedy and sadness going on in the world right now.
Forming in 2002, the Soweto Gospel Choir are currently touring Australia for the third time. I thought I was going to miss out again but then there was this gorgeous version of the Play School theme:
I immediately bought tickets for the Sydney Opera House concert.
And wow. Best medicine to kill the SADs.
The powerful voices, the joyful dancing, the vibrant colours immediately warmed my heart, reassuring it that there is still good in the world.
The concert hall was jam packed with an audience from all walks of life who just wanted to be uplifted, proving you don’t need to be religious to enjoy gospel music.
Despite winning Grammys, performing for Oprah, Nelson Mandela and singing along with stars like Bono and Celine Dion, these guys seem to never forget their roots or the people who need them.
At the end of the concert, choir members were collecting donations for African AIDS charities.
I can’t remember the last time I left a musical performance where there was so many genuine smiles, hugs and kindness.
Life can be so dark, full of struggles and pain. Sometimes it takes extra effort to search for the music and colour. But when found, cling onto it. Rejoice in it.
Ever heard of the Soweto Gospel Choir? Ever had a case of the SADs? What are some of your remedies?
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I’d love to see them. Big fan. Just haven’t ever got round to organising it…I’m also over this term.The last hols were too short. “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. ~Berthold Auerbach”
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..Stairway to Paradise
Nothing like a burst of enthusiastic song to lift your spirits, always works on me. Loving your style there Grace, where did you get that coat? xx
p.s. feeling guilty about not catching up on my bloggy friends’ blogs lately, I’ve lost my mojo – let me know if you see it lurking around anywhere
The coat is actually a dress I bought last time I was in Jakarta, Becci. It’s got a very unique cut and style to it 🙂
Get back to writing, girlfriend! We miss you x
Love the smiles.xx
Brenda recently posted..8 things you should never say to an angry woman
It’s about the simple joys 🙂
Man….watching that video lifted my spirits so much Grace. Those beautiful smiling faces, the gorgeous singing voices, the vibrant colours. I needed that. THANK YOU!! xoxo
Min@WriteoftheMiddle recently posted..Face Your Fears
Glad I could be of service, Min! xxx
How cool is that!
Yes, I get SADS every winter. I just have to schedule a few weekend escapes to the beach and create stuff for us to look forward to and dance and play music and make a decision to focus on the blue sky days …
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 2486 – Those Hazy Days of Uni …
Ah yes, seaside escapades are the perfect cure for SAD. Sunshine and surf x
Oh I’d love to see them – that’s enough to make your soul sing! It’s always good to have something to look forward to, isn’t it? X
Yes! And how about the magic and music last night at Aladdin? Loved it! Great to see you x
Wow! What an amazing version of the Play School theme! I would have loved to hear this choir in person! I need a bit of uplifting!
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life recently posted..Sukin Hydrating Facial Masque Review & Cotton On Sale
Yes, I didn’t realise how much uplifting I actually needed until I heard them 🙂
I’ve definitely had the winter SADS as well but oh how I would find that beautiful choir uplifting too. What an experience!
Vicki @ Knocked Up & Abroad recently posted..The One About Funky Breastfeeding Fashion!
Hope the weather warms up over your way soon, Vicki! x
That would be such an uplifting performance! I’ve got the mid-year blues as well. Life has been a little too hectic and rushed for my liking lately … just the other day I mentioned to my husband that it almost felt like the lead up to Christmas because we had so many things going on. Let’s hope it all calms down soon, plus we’re on the home stretch of winter now. Bring on Spring!
YES! Bring on spring! Hope things are a little calmer for you this week, Erika x
They sound amazing, would love to see them – so many happy smiles. Think I’m with you on dealing with SADS. Wonderful music lifts my spirits and flowers. If I can’t get fresh ones, even pictures help me as they remind me of spring. Not too long now.
Ooooh, you’ve inspired me to get some flowers! I love pink roses 🙂
It’s an odd time of year, I agree. I know winter will be over in Brisbane soon so I’m trying to appreciate the cool before we go back to steaming but I just haven’t clicked with winter this year.
Vanessa recently posted..My Word for 2016
Yeah, I know what you mean. The weather has been so out of whack this winter, SAD has hit me more this year than others.
I’m not religious in any way but I do love gospel music and this sounds like it would be a fantastic way to stop being SAD. That cip was gorgeous! It’s so easy to get bunkered down in the cold weather when it’s all grey and gloomy in weather and world outlook. I’m just trying to remind myself that it won’t be long before we’re complaining of the heat again.
Beth | AlmostPosh.com recently posted..Don’t Believe The Hype
It’s been such an extra effort for me to go out and be sociable this winter! But we have to do it, don’t we?
I’ll bet they were great! I get the SADS too. August is a hard month every year.
JodY At Six Little Hearts recently posted..Sesame Street Presents Elmo’s Super Fun Hero Show and A Family Pass Giveaway Worth $200! #SLHFeaturedThursdays
Can’t wait till September, Jody! x
What lovely voices. I bet that would lift even the crappiest of moods!
Amy @ handbagmafia recently posted..The Census and Sensibility
You could see that there was a lot of people in the Opera House who needed a good emotional boost.
Grace…YOU need MUSIC..it is part of your spiritual soul. Are you playing the piano? I know, I know, don’t nag! But I need art and visual stuff when I am down..and yes, winter and July/August will do that to me too..but MUSIC it’s your go-to. Sometimes, even in our dark days we cannot remember what refreshes our soul most. GLAD you did! lovely pic, G xxxx
Denyse Whelan recently posted..Dobroyd Head. 366/218.
Thank you for the reminder, D!! I”m playing the piano at church almost every week and yes, it is my spiritual fill. I hope B is still playing his music too! x
Sounds like such an uplifting experience. It would be hard o come out of it not cheerier!
Di from Max The Unicorn recently posted..Priceline Haul + A Life Update!
The happiness in the Opera House that night was palpable 🙂
Magical. I’ve seen them on television a number of times and they always make me stop and listen. How lucky to see them live.
Maria Parenti-Baldey recently posted..Sunday Breakfast – Wellness
I’ve never seen any of their concerts on TV! I’ve been heading over to YouTube a lot lately, though 🙂
I was reading your blog and had to go to your bio to realize you are in Australia. It’s 95 degrees and hot, hot, hot where I am, so SAD is a February occurrence for me here in the USA! I homeschool my kids and by the time winter rolls around, I’m like you… done with school, parenting, grey skies, cold temperatures, and being locked up in the house. I call it the February Blahs. I’ll have to remember to find an uplifting musical concert to enjoy to cure my blues about 6 months from now! Thank you for your post! Glad to connect with someone so far away in miles, but so near in experience. Blessings to you!
Karen Woodall recently posted..Flourishing In Dry Places
February Blahs is a great term! Will be changing it to the August Blahs 🙂 Thanks for dropping by! x
I always get a major case of the SADs during winter. Glad you found something to lift your spirits!
Sarah @sarahdipity recently posted..On beauty, having an amazinger face and meeting Zoe Foster Blake in the bathroom
Thanks, Sarah! Hope you’re keeping warm 🙂 x
Glad the choir was what you needed. I reckon they’d be wonderful. I get SADS depending on the weather in winter – it can be clear and blue here (we’re lucky) but I really remember suffering a lot in Canada when we had endless dreary cold and wet.
Kathy Kruger recently posted..Yin yoga – FAQ’s
Oh, Canada would’ve been the worse! I remember when I went to Toronto and was astounded how everything was underground.
I reckon a bit of music is a fabulous remedy for the SADS, I play it loud all the time, when I work and need more inspiration.
Even more cool when it makes you smile and helps a wonderful charity. x
sarah@tomfo recently posted..3 super easy DIY party table decoration ideas
The louder, the better and the more uplifting it is!