The January Blues

Let’s be honest, January is a gloomy old month. It’s back to school and work. The days are short, cold, wet and dreary. Spring seems an age away. And if you are prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), you will be struggling with the lack of light, which makes it even a greater challenge. The ‘January Blues’ is an expression often used to express such feeling at this time of year.

Trying to get motivated and energetic during these days can be challenging. If you’re feeling out-of-sorts, it’s really important to break this cycle and remind yourself that life, not all bad, is full of beauty and opportunities for enjoyment, if one looks out for them. Try a simple exercise by keeping a diary and note the pleasant events that occur every day, however small or insignificant.

Maybe taking up a new interest, something you have put off and never got around to doing can be helpful. It may be something as simple as joining a group, going for a walk and enjoying the beauty of nature that God has given us in abundance, going to a film with a friend, reading a book, hearing a child laugh, saying a wee prayer or noticing a beautiful sunrise on your way to work. The point is that if you actually make an effort to look out for opportunities to feel good, however small, you will realise that your day is packed with glorious moments, if you let yourself experience them to the full.

I mentioned above joining a group. Consider the popular Alpha Course which will run again at our house here in Mt. St. Joseph, beginning Tuesday, February 9, 2016 from 7.00 – 8.30pm. It is an excellent way to help people grow in their faith. Why not come along the first night, just come as you are. It’s a very relaxed and enjoyable experience and a great way to meet new people.

We ask God to begin us safely on our journey through another new year.