There is often discussion here about the use of the cards and regularly taking the test. I think for many it is the blogs and dialogue with others which are the most important. Somebody said they were 'scared' if their score was high, I presume, if bi-polar, they feared mania. Statistics: I have been with Moodscope an unbelievable 7 years, done the test 1,800 times, lowest score 7% highest 95%. I tried to find the actual days to see what provoked those extremes, but no luck.

I seldom read the remarks about scores (call it a 'homily') because I know why there is a slump or a boost. What is fascinating, and of such help, is going back over the years and seeing the 'patterns', and how helpful it was to analyse just why the graph stayed in the blue section (or the 'sunny' bit) for a long time. Then, either at the time, or looking back, could one have done anything about it? Lessons to be learned for the future?

Long periods of low scores were always tied to stress, worries about the state of my husband, always aggravated by lack of sleep. I think this is at the bottom of so many depressions, just not getting enough or good 'quality' sleep. A continuous 'high' was this July. Although extreme hot weather was rare (and worrying, tied to climate change fears), I was in my element. Sun makes me feel good. It was light (and warm) till 11 p.m. Our tourist town 'comes alive' loads people around, evening entertainment, just fun. And my garden and window boxes were at their best, a continual joy. There is no way I can repeat that situation without emigrating.

When I am lucky enough to have the blog my score 'shoots' up, might get the occasional critical response, but it is like having the postman call all day long, checking to see who has 'called in', and their reaction. Particular 'fun' ones were 'A Good Read' and 'Sunday Bloody Sunday'. The last few months had excessive low scores; endless rain, Brexit and the family row which obsessed me for most of the year. I can also get hit by 'waves of sadness'. One was caused by a blog from Millie, January 22nd in fact, about the sadness of lasting family ruptures and difficult relationships.

On 23rd August this year I had my second highest score ever. No particular reason, except perhaps reaction. I had been worrying how I would cope with a family wedding, the first meeting with my eldest son since last Christmas. He spoke, the rest of the family were marvellous to me, and I coped with a journey (by car and boat) from North West France to Sussex, with unimaginable problems. 2nd September also very high – note 'Visit from Moodscopers, completed papers to get an Irish passport, and a tax rebate'.

For those who do not do the test regularly, I should start, might learn something about yourself!

Happy 2020!

The Gardener

A Moodscope member.