5 Ways to Combat End of Year Blues

So this is Christmas.  Not the Christmas she has known in the past.  The snowman collection remains in boxes.  Five days out, no tree.  Family members moving from heartache to heartache and coping with huge issues of life.  Then, there is that scar going down the side of her face; across her chest; and through the back….three skin cancer removals done quickly.   As she navigates a family from emotion to emotion, the year is ending different from goals and resolutions set at the beginning.

Reality….as the bumper sticker says, bites!  There are times reality just takes us off our game. Of course, the above description is where I presently find myself.  Perhaps, down…not defeated. Feeling the blues. As I age, I understand it takes a bit more effort to stay on the optimistic side of town…but the effort is worth it!  Study after study supports the premise that optimism results in a healthier life.  Not to mention, less lines and wrinkles!

Whenever, I find myself getting a little whiny, then it is time to pull back and remember a few important points….

1. Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep. Isn’t that what Bing and Rosemary taught us in White Christmas?  Well, it works.  I am blessed to have this time with my daughter, grandson, and new grandson-on-the-way before they move literally a world away….and I do not know the next time I will see them.  Perhaps 2014 is ending with its challenges, but overall, it was a great year.  I exercise now and with the help of Jenny Craig, I am down 21 pounds!  I really feel great…despite the scars.  I currently love my reinvented life and the work I do as a professional blogger. I am over 60, and feeling fierce! What are your blessings from last year?
2. Turn the Spotlight Around. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own junk, we forget others have even heavier loads to carry.  One of the sure fire ways to feel deep joy, is to help other people.  Reach out…be an encourager…bring inspiration…be the physical extra hands and feet they need.  It is contagious.
3. Live One Day at a Time. This is so important.  Just focus on today and what it holds.   Worrying about the future can immobilize us…shut us completely down…and pull out the rug of health and joy.
4. Kick Your Sense of Humor into High Gear. I often see my life as a sitcom.  I think it would be hysterical.  When I remind my very full house of the funny times, it helps all of us.
5. Finally, Get up, Get Dressed, and Get Out! Most tend to pull out the bath robes and hunker down when life gets difficult.   Of course, a little of this is certainly called for; however, in order to enjoy those blessings; help other people; appreciate the day we have been gifted with; and find the humor, we need to get up and get at it.  I feel so much better when I play dress-up and put on my makeup…even if it is to cover a new scar from skin cancer.  Great style begins with a smile.

Don’t focus on resolutions not reached.  Choose to smile.  We are all here for a purpose…what do you think it is?  Currently, it is about giving time to my family.  I choose to smile through each kicked toy and toddler tune.  I choose to provide the shoulder to cry on and not be the one crying. As for the scars…well, beauty experts call the solution CORRECTOR.  All in all, I choose joy.  Life is too short to choose anything else.

Have a wonderful New Year’s!  I hope you plan to return to our virtual boutique next year and sit around the corner table for some fun girl talk!  See you in 2015, everyone.