It was the most wonderful time of the year... now, it's simply the most depressing.
First, all apologies to those of you with January birthdays; that includes my oldest nephew, two male cousins and two of my three sisters-in-law. I am whole-heartedly sorry that I find your birth-month so glum; I'm sorry that I struggle to see the silver lining in short, dreary days and long, bitterly cold nights.
Technically, today isn't really the most depressing day of the year; that dubious honor belongs to Monday, January 24th. Psychologists say this day--dubbed "Blue Monday"--was pinpointed because of six factors: weather, distance from Christmas, our (most likely) failure to uphold our New Year's resolution, debt (and ability to pay it--this is around the time the last of your holiday-spending credit card bills will come rolling in), lack of winter-time motivation and the need (and failure) to find something on which to take action (like planning for a certain someone's birth... it just feels sooooooo far away right now!).
But this Monday, I am feeling pretty blue. All my beautiful holiday decorations are packed away, stored in the attic for another year. A wonderful woman whom I never got a chance to meet--but who played a huge role in my daughter's life--passed away over the weekend, and we'll be attending her funeral this morning. It's a very "Blue Monday" indeed.
And then... there's the silver lining. It's tough to find--especially on a day that only boasts a measly 9 hours and 47 minutes of daylight. But I think of all 2011 has to hold: baby "C" joining our family and three of my best friends welcoming new babies; new career possibilities, for DH and maybe for me; G turning three, potty-training, sleeping in a big-girl bed, and starting preschool, swim and dance lessons. New friends. New adventures. A new beginning.
Yes, it's hard to keep my chin up while the January gloom shines (or rather, fails to shine--there's no sunlight here!) down on me... but knowing all the wonderful things that are on the horizon (the return of Daylight Saving time, YAY!!!) will keep me powering on.
Besides, blue isn't all that bad. After all, I am a Duke BLUE Devil.
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on Monday, January 03, 2011
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I never heard that term before, I have been educated today! :)
Congrats to the new babies in 2011!!!!
I always have the post-holiday blues. And the pre-holiday blues, too. In fact, if I could hide in my bed from the day after Thanksgiving until AFTER Valentine's day, I would be so happy! :) Here's to hoping for a lifting of spirits for you.
so sorry for your loss. things will get cheerier. these cabin fever blues really get to you after a while!!!
I agree this time of year is rough. As a high school teacher I am also desperately trying to get ready for midterm and final exams and there are just not enough hours in the day. I find Jan to be super stressful!