I don’t know about you, but January is my least favorite month of the year. That’s putting it mildly. Somehow, I don’ think I’m alone. It feels like bad things happen in January- or perhaps it’s just my perspective that makes them feel so bad.
The Christmas letdown is in full swing, children have come and gone (or at least gone back to school) and, if you live in northern tundra like I do, all you see is white. EVERYWHERE. It’s cold and somehow that makes everything harder- unless you are like my husband, and then the cold along with the fluffy white stuff promises adventure. Like skiing, snowshoeing or snowman making.
But I’ve done all of those things and still, I find that January and snow just hurt sometimes. They make the memories of recent holidays colder- even sadder. But why? I really can’t quite figure this out.
I know enough about Seasonal Affective Disorder to know that it is real and I respect it. But aside from that, many of us struggle with the doldrums if not outright depression. We feel the blahs where motivation to do anything- much less make resolutions to lose weight, start exercising, be kinder, etc. – is hard. So what do we do? That’s the million-dollar question.
We can’t change the month, the weather or our situation, but (my favorite word) there is always one thing that we can change- our thinking. And this is important. Because it is our thoughts that impact our behaviors and our behaviors that overhaul our feelings. So here are a few things that I am doing that just might work for you too.
Tomorrow, I choose to believe that this month will have great moments of joy. I will look for them.
Tomorrow, I choose to see the love that surrounds me. My husband loves me. My grown children are amazing and filled with love. And my friends, grandchildren, extended family- they too- are great gifts to me that remind me how loved I am.
Tomorrow, I choose to hold onto positive feelings and let the negative ones go. Happiness really is a choice on some level, so tomorrow, when I am feeling cold, lonely, unmotivated and the doldrums take hold, I will reject these feelings. I will hold onto the familiar ones of happiness. Why not?
Tomorrow, I will plan goodness. That’s right. I will plan to make good things happen. I want to help you enjoy your kids more, love your life more and see all that is amazing around you. So I will plan to do whatever I can to make those things happen for you.
