How very British to talk about the weather.

This morning, and for the past few days, there has been intermittent sun streaming through my windows. This makes such a difference. While I've never been able to identify a seasonal pattern to the course of my illness, sunshine – light, in general – makes me feel more lively and more alive. I've always been quite affected by the dark months of winter. I've had a lightbox (one of these)for the past couple of years, and it helps when the skies are grey and gloomy for days on end, but it's not the same as real sunshine.

I've been feeling a bit stronger over the past couple of weeks and am now able to get outside into the gorgeous sunshine. Plus, in the few patches of green that exist in this area of the city, there are crocus and daffodils sprouting everywhere.

Spring crocus bloom

While this doesn't actually improve my state of health as such, it does help me to feel less bad.