I used to wait for sunlight to feel bright. On those sunless mornings, I would pull the curtains shut and sink into quiet gloom, thinking there was nothing I could do. Slowly, I learned this: sunshine outside is lovely, but we can make our own light and color from within.

Start small with the things that surround you. Dig out that warm-colored mug for your hot drink — burnt orange, soft sage, deep berry red. Hang a colorful scarf by your chair. Light candles with gentle, warm glows; their tiny flames cast soft tones when the sky stays grey. Fill a vase with fresh or dried flowers, even just a few sprigs. They bring pops of color that don’t depend on the weather. Food is another easy joy. Bake cinnamon rolls, simmer bright orange soup, cut up vivid red strawberries and green kiwi. When your plate is colorful, your day gets a little color too.

Then, bring color to your senses and heart. Put on your favorite warm, vibrant sweater instead of only wearing black and grey. Play upbeat music, or listen to soft podcasts while you curl up. Grab your sketchbook, water colors or crayons. You don’t need to be good at drawing. Just splash blues, pinks and yellows on paper for fun. Write down happy little moments in a colorful notebook. Our memories can be bright even when the sky is not.
The sun will come back eventually. But until then, we hold the palette. We choose to stitch color into quiet, grey winter days, one tiny happy detail at a time.