Writing & Gratitude
Ten Reasons to be Happy and Grateful in JanFebruary
This time of year can be a downer for a few reasons
January, and its next of kin February, can sometimes be dreary, depressing months, especially for people in the Northern Hemisphere. Reading posts from other writers, I know I’m far from alone here.
Having formerly lived in the Pacific Northwest for many years, I suffered from what is now known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. Back then, it was merely known as I really hate winter! Cold, snow, a runny nose, dead-gray scenery, leafless trees, walking carefully and trying not to slip on the sidewalk skating rink, and staring out the window longing for spring to come.
This is why I moved to Florida and then to a lovely Caribbean island. Ten years later, I nearly forgot what true winter was, and happily so. That is, until having to be back in the Pacific Northwest for a month from mid-December to mid-January to take care of tragic family issues.
Like an old nightmare, it all came creeping up on me again… those old awful feelings of wanting to hibernate inside like an old grizzly bear
Why January Can Be So Depressing!
- Taking down all the beautiful Christmas decorations can be sad. Those spaces in the house seem so empty and drab afterward.
- All the high hopes for a brand new year can quickly wear off when it seems like this year will just be more of the same ol’ junk.
- From summer to Christmas, there are lots of festivities to occupy the mind like Halloween and Thanksgiving. After New Year’s is over, there’s a great big dead spot until Valentine’s Day.
- All the pressure that President’s Day thrusts upon us… ok, maybe not so much.
- This year especially, we have the ongoing COVID crap that just doesn’t seem to ever go away!
- Tax season is just around the corner. It’s only exciting if you’re getting a refund.
- Valentine’s is approaching, which is only awesome if you’re in a committed relationship.
- Living in a cold-weather state just makes everything worse. Cold for some people, like me, is exhausting and soul-sucking.
- Shorter days and less sunlight may also contribute to everything, according to NIH’s entry for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
As well as:
- “Eating and drinking too much during the holidays leave your body in a sluggish state.” vTutor
Ways to Feel Grateful and Happy Anyway
Although it can be difficult sometimes, there are ways to be grateful and many things to try and feel better. Here are some suggestions:
- Hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps.
- Fluffy warm blankets.
- Light therapy? “If your winter blues are actually seasonal affective disorder, there is something you can do about it…let there be light!” Amy Nolan*
- Remembering the meaning of January: “In ancient Roman culture, Jānus was a god of doorways, beginnings, and the rising and setting of the sun. His name comes from the Latin jānus, meaning “doorway, archway, arcade.” — Dictonary.com
- A warm pair of socks and a good pair of gloves.
- Airplanes to take us to warm places (that’s one of my favorites anyway).
- Great books.
- Remembering the meaning of February: “From the Latin word Februarius, meaning “to purify” …It is a transitional time…” — SunSigns.org.
- The internet, where a person can see summer and spring in pictures whenever they feel like it as well as in engage in a wonderful community like Medium.
- “Start a ‘done’ list!” What is this? Check out this article:
Also, why not consider ways to fill up all that empty Christmas space with other lovely decorations:
Also, also, read more Thank You Notes by Trista Signe Ainsworth and many talented and inspiring writers!