Wednesday 6. march 2024
It has been one of those winters, the kind that wraps you in a chilling embrace, and I must admit, it’s been rough. Winter depression never crossed my mind until I found myself standing on the other side, looking back. This year marked the first time I paid attention to the subtle shifts in my mood, the fluctuations in my energy levels, and the evolving patterns in my lifestyle during the winter.
Discovering this newfound awareness has been both liberating and overwhelming. In this introspective journey, I’ve become intimately attuned to myself, riding the waves of my emotions. As the days seem to slip away, time has become both an ally and a formidable force.
You might assume that after nearly seven years of calling Norway home, I’d have grown accustomed to the snow-laden landscapes. However, my body, mind, and spirit continue to yearn for the fiery heat of Cameroon. The pining for home has never been more profound, casting a shadow over the wintry landscape. I find myself missing the warmth and vibrancy of home like never before.
HOME SICK
Have you ever heard that saying, ‘You don’t know what you have until you lose it’? Well, whoever came up with that deserves a Grammy or something! When I was back in my home country, all I could see were the tough parts. Living in poverty tends to overshadow the joy, fun, and sense of community around you.
Maybe I just didn’t appreciate the beauty of Cameroon back then because, well, I was a kid with limited experience. Or perhaps, now that I have a bit more in my pocket for leisure activities like bowling, karaoke, or just a night out, life seems a whole lot better. So, what exactly are the ‘finer things in life’ anyway?
I can’t help but get a little teary-eyed every time the thought of roasted fish and bobolo crosses my mind. Back in the day, we humorously called it ‘burning fish.’ That golden, crispy delight paired with the white goodness on the side, known as ‘bobolo,’ was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. Bobolo is a starchy fermented cassava product that we savored alongside the fish and pepper.
The nostalgia hits hard, and I’ve often daydreamed about recreating this dish in Norway. Yet, the challenge lies in not having the exact ingredients, and let me tell you, it just doesn’t do justice to the real deal. My mom can vouch for the fact that as a little girl, I could polish off an entire fish on my own – she jokes that people couldn’t even see where the fish went because I was so tiny.
Guess what? I’m still a big foodie today, carrying my love for those childhood flavors with me wherever life takes me
WINTER DEPRESSION
Winter depression feels a bit like that unexpected breakout after sleeping with makeup on – unwanted but somewhat unavoidable. I don’t exactly hate winter; it’s more about my toes freezing, the perpetual darkness, and the limited outdoor activities. I’ve entertained the idea of embracing winter by trying skiing or snowboarding, but let’s be real, I never quite get around to it.
This year, I took a different approach by planning my weeks with work and leisure activities. Instead of beating myself up for TV marathons indoors, I decided to be kinder to myself, recognizing that this season is just a phase, and it’s okay if it feels different. Summers are filled with work, travel, sports, and a more extroverted me. So, I’ve learned to appreciate the quieter winter moments – watching anime and chilling at home.
Spending time alone is crucial for self-growth, offering the space to reflect on actions and aspirations. Today, I woke up on the sofa to the sun shining on my face, and it automatically brought a smile to my face. Finally, the sun is shining again, not only on me but in my life. Here’s hoping these rays of sunlight bring a little more joy and smiles to your faces too 🙂
Yours truly,
Megan Albright
