Summary

The author, Joe Guay, shares his revelation about the importance of sunlight in his home after moving from a north-facing house to one that welcomes the morning sun, emphasizing the positive impact on his mood and creativity.

Abstract

Joe Guay recounts his experience of living in a dark, north-facing home for over a decade, which he affectionately called "the cave." Despite its comforts, the lack of direct sunlight led to a subtle form of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). After moving to a sunnier home in the desert near Palm Springs, he was struck by the transformative effect of morning sunlight streaming into his living space. This daily dose of sunshine has not only lifted his spirits but also sparked inspiration for his writing, reinforcing his commitment to prioritize natural light when choosing a home.

Opinions

The author undervalued the importance of direct sunlight in his living environment until he experienced the contrast in a new home.
He believes that the presence of sunlight is a simple yet profound source of hope and positivity.
Guay acknowledges the reality of Seasonal Affective Disorder and its impact, even in generally sunny climates like Southern California.
He advocates for making the enjoyment of natural light a priority in home selection, considering it essential for mental well-being.
The author equates the joy of waking up to sunlight with a childlike wonder or a significant personal discovery.
He asserts that his new environment, filled with morning sunlight, enhances his identity as a writer and fuels his desire to share inspiration with the world.

(Sing With Me) LET The Sunshine In!

Some of the best things in life are free.

I awake to rays of sunlight streaming into my soul, into my morning, my consciousness.

What a gift — a delicious way to welcome in the day.

Providing simple hope.

I can hear some of you saying, um yeah, isn’t that obvious?

But for over 10 years my partner and I rented a comfortable stand-alone home that was superb in many ways — lots of privacy, a landlord next-door who was literally like a friend, a never-increasing rent, a private patio.

And so consequently we were lulled into ignoring the fact that every window in the house — every single one — only faced north.

We knew our home was dark — we even referred to it sometimes as “the cave.” We could never truly know what the outside temperature was like until stepping into the driveway to feel the sun on your face.

It was a cozy place that fit our needs, especially at night. Some light came in, sure, but it was secondary and diffused, never direct.

I somehow didn’t realize the glorious soul-warming feelings (that were free!) that we were missing out on, daily. I thought of that as a privilege but not something necessarily needed.

Last February we relocated to the desert, near Palm Springs, into a home facing west, with the morning sun ready to come in the back windows every morning.

The first and second morning here, I stepped out of the bedroom in disbelief — taking in the streams of sunshine, the visible shafts of light hitting across the entire living room.

I was a 49-year-old guy like a kid in a candy store, or a teen who’s just discovered the joys of self-love.

Eddie, there’s sun, streaming all over the living room, filling the entire kitchen and TV room like we always wanted!!

I bounced up and down like a sugared-up toddler.

Such a silly thing. Yet we all know Seasonal Affective Disorder is real. And we were the silly lads living in sunny Southern California yet feeling the effects of SAD on those days we never left the house, the cave.

For ten years.

Sometimes the greatest gifts are so obvious, are free to all, as long as you make them a priority in your decision-making.

Facing the world is hard enough. There’s plenty out there to bring you down. Going forward, I will forever choose my home, my sanctuary, based on the way the sunshine greets me there in the morning.

What a great way to wake up, face the day and remind yourself -

It’s another day, I’m a writer, and I’m inspired to share magic with the world.

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You will NEVER run out of things to write about

Just stay Curious and Keep Your Basket Full

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It Used To Be A Compliment

But now, you’re a writer, so… uh oh.

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