Day 97 of 365 - January Let Down

Perhaps it is inevitable that, in this first full week of resuming 'normal' routines after the holidays, we might experience a feeling of disappointment or lack luster in our lives.  Maybe we have started out the shiny new year full of optimism and hopes for something brighter and shinier than last year.  We were enthusiastic about getting back on track, but now the drudgery of everyday routines has set in and well, it's same old, same old.

This probably should not be surprising, given that it likely happens every January, but we do seem to forget.  For several weeks, we have been given permission to consume, indulge and party and now, we're supposed to shape up, both literally and figuratively.

Maybe, instead of feeling annoyed with ourselves about this reaction, we could sit for a bit with just allowing a readjustment period.  We are in that gap or space after a hyped up period.  Our body, mind and emotions could use with some settling, and probably some rest.  Think of it like a little kid who has been so excited over the holidays, probably ate too much candy, is irritable and overtired.  And, they have a meltdown.  Some adults might have a meltdown too, but, most of us contain ourselves.  We know that likely what they need most, after their blood sugar goes back to normal, is a good cuddle and a long nap.

I think January spa days are a better idea than January gym days.  If we started the new year with some really compassionate and gentle self care we might not feel so disappointed, with nothing to look forward to but several weeks of cold, dark weather until spring.

I also wonder if people who didn't really get into holiday preparations or celebrations fare better at this time of year.  But likely not.  They probably had sentimental longings that were not fulfilled too, even if they did not buy into the whole event.

The January let down is probably why retailers start marketing for Valentine's Day in this second week of the new year.  Hey, you can always look forward to the next event to make your life feel better, or at least numb out your sad feelings with candy.

It all leads back to us examining what it is that we really want and need.  We can't always get what we want, as the song says. but if we try, we could get what we need.  That's what provides lasting satisfaction anyway, having our essential needs met.

So, if the January blahs are setting in already, here are some ideas.  Take a nap.  Have a relaxing soak in the tub (if you have a decent tub).  Have a manicure or pedicure.  Go for a massage. Cuddle up with a loved one, a soft blanket or a beloved pet.  Go to bed early tonight and sleep on whether your essential needs are being met.  If not, tomorrow, think about how you could change that, or who you could ask for help.

There, I hope that feels better. :)



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Day 53 of 365 - Christmas Decorating at Tortoise Pace

This past weekend the Facebook posts with photos of completed Christmas decorating began showing up.  Some people decorate every room of their common areas.  Some have up to three Christmas trees.  I admire those photos.  It's all very lovely and festive.  Those people are the hares in the race to Christmas.  I am the tortoise. I'm not judging.  People have their reasons for wanting to get it all done early.  That way they can enjoy gazing upon their holiday décor for several weeks.  Or, they may be entertaining with holiday parties or family get togethers on whatever date works for them. I love the holiday season, the lights, the decorations, the food, the general sense of magic in the air.  But this year I'm just having a little trouble getting the momentum going for decorating.  Before our first snow, which is now gone thanks to a few days of rain, I got excited and put up the balcony lights and garlands.  We have been e...
Read more

Day 86 of 365 - Year End Gratitude

Today I was out doing some of my usual weekend grocery and household shopping.  I noticed that the selection was more limited and that there were empty spaces and shelves.  Most of the holiday inventory that was added to aisles and end displays is disappearing, now at clearance prices.  Regular inventory shelves have not been fully restocked, probably due to some staff being on a vacation break. This made me realize how much we take for granted that everything we want will just 'be there' when we arrive at stores to shop.  It's part of our instant gratification culture here in North America, but it is certainly not at all typical in many other parts of the world.  We are so fortunate with all the choices we have, but we also just assume they will always be there. I felt grateful for the staff of the stores who are spending their shifts restocking the shelves for us.  I said a friendly hello to the produce manager at the grocery store, a man who goes out...
Read more

Day 13 of 365 - The Joy of Singing - Part 1

When I was growing up we had an old upright piano in our living room.  My mother had learned to play piano and organ as a young girl.  She continued to enjoy it as a past time during her years of homemaking and raising a family.  Often she would play from one of her songbooks and some of the children, usually the girls, would stand nearby singing and looking over her shoulder to read the lyrics. Those were fun times for me and I enjoyed singing melody lines and sometimes trying a harmony.  In elementary school I learned some basic sight reading of music and had some time in the school choir.  But, most of my singing happened at home or at church. I was raised as a Catholic and in my pre-teen and early teen years what were then known as folk choirs and now are better known as contemporary choirs came into vogue.  Our small town choir seemed to have limited access to that spiritual music genre and struggled by with a limited number of hymns/songs.  I...
Read more