Are You?
I guess you already knew that this day has been dubbed the most Depressing Day of the Year. So calculates Cliff Arnall of University of Cardiff as reported here and in many other places. Arnall has factored a number of things including weather, debt, time since Christmas, and so on. It seems that his formula really works out to January 24, but he shifted from the calculated day to the closest Monday, which makes a lot of sense.
I don't know about you, but I have been rather enjoying myself today. While I hold that moods are primarily generated from within, today's weather didn't hurt my spirits one tiny, little bit. The snow that fell on the weekend remained fresh and clean; the sun shone beautifully; and, the above freezing temperatures were balmy ... balmy enough for barmy Canadians anyhow.
Not only that, but Cuppa keeps a few lights on timers, partly for security reasons. We couldn't help but notice today that when they switched on, it was still light and bright out. Yes, we're a month past the shortest day and our daylight hours are nicely gaining momentum now.
Regardless of today's weather or the increasing hours of light, January is a long and hard month for many. We all need to treat ourselves a little: to get out of the house when we can. We need to go for a walk and/or for a drive, go to a concert and/or to a movie, read a good book and/or take a hot bath and/or any number of things. Most of us can do a little better at counting our many blessings rather than grumbling over our few tribulations. We have the ability to choose to anticipate the advancing warmth rather than regret a few days of snow or rain or cloud or cold. It's mostly about choice which both influences and is influenced by our actions.
... besides, it's only five months until June 23 which Cliff Arnall calculates to be the happiest day of the year.
We got a little sunshine today, so it was a wonderful day. Amazing how glorious a little sun can be.
ReplyDeleteI am so very glad to hear that you are not at all depressed. Way to buck the predictions!
ReplyDeleteVisited your site today and enjoyed reading it. Have just started my little blog, still learning a lot! I like you snowflakes!
ReplyDeleteI thought I was depressed. Turns out I was just really bored. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm posting this comment on Tuesday! Hurray! I missed the most depressing day of the year and I didn't even know it. Today, we had some beautiful snow this morning and now the sun is out. It doesn't get much better than this in Winnipeg.
ReplyDeleteI did read the news item about January 23 being the saddest day of the year and found it quite humorous and perhaps just a little accurate. January is always the most difficult month of the year for me. I do recall feeling depressed in past years. Not this year though.. we are still kind of waiting for winter to hit. Right now, like you, our conditions are perfect. Lots of snow.. and balmy temperatures. How perfect is that! :-)
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