On Christmas Eve last year, I was alone in the house, awaiting my son’s arrival from out of town the next morning. It was a quiet—but happily anticipatory—time. When I posted a comment on Facebook—
A little melancholy tonight … but my heart is full. I am blessed in so, so many ways. Merry Christmas, friends.
—I soon realized my friends didn’t grok what I was feeling at all.
Now, I know what the dictionary says:
• depressed in spirits : dejected, gloomy, dismal, mournful, sad
• suggestive or expressive of melancholy or dejection : depressing
• producing sadness : causing dejection : lamentable, afflicting
• seriously thoughtful or meditative : pensive
• favorable to meditation : somber
But I meant melancholy not in the dejected sense but in the thoughtful, meditative sense. Pensive. Contemplative. Reflective.
It should be noted, then, that “a little melancholy” isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s equal parts nostalgia and fond memories and perhaps a little bit of unknowing … but also contains elements of peace and contentment and quietness too. (Also exhaustion, but that’s another story.)
Here’s wishing you a little melancholy too. It’s rather nice. 🙂
Tweet: Melancholy contains elements of peace and contentment and quietness too.
Tweet: I meant melancholy not in the dejected sense but in the thoughtful, meditative sense.
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