December "Blahs"

What is it about this time of year that seems to give everyone a case of the "blahs?" It seems like people wind up with shortened tempers, saddened hearts, and just a general feeling of listlessness. I know I am personally guilty of all 3. Every year around this time, I think about all of my shortcomings in the past 12 months, and the New Years resolutions I failed to keep. Even though I have been out of sunny So Cal for 5 years now, I still miss the 70 degree "winter" days... where you can walk your dog in the evening without packing a parka. I want to curl up in bed and not go to work, knowing that when I get home it will be just as dark and cold as when I left 12 hours earlier... but maybe a little wetter. I just feel, well, BLAH.

This year, I am doing my best to not become a victim to the December Blahs. I am working on a positive attitude, and trying not to complain as much. It's hard for me. I am a complainer by nature... not that I am unhappy, I just like to complain! That's how I communicate people! :) But I didn't realize just how much I complained until I started my goal to stop it altogether. Just trying to answer Ivan's question of "How was your day?" became difficult. I started off slowly by answering "it could be worse" or "not too bad," all the while trying to force my weary face into a smile while cooking dinner and cleaning up puppy potty accidents for the umpteenth time.

It's gotten easier to be positive though, and I am starting to actually believe my answers. When I say "I am just thankful to have a job," I truly mean it... no false pretenses. Sure, I still struggle with fighting through the "blahs" but this new positive attitude is helping.

I hope to read "The Last Lecture" soon. My friend Sara told me about it a while ago, and it sounds like now might be the time for me to read it. Sara said the book was really inspiring and helped her in her own goal with keeping a positive outlook. Until then, I am doing just fine... and blessed beyond belief. Honestly. :)