Finding Happiness in the Gloomiest Month

When I think of all twelve months in the year, January consistently ranks dead last. Coming back from a month of holiday cheer and two weeks off of school is always difficult, and the cold weather definitely doesn’t help. Maintaining a positive mindset during this time of the year can be tricky, but I think I’ve finally cracked the code on how to make January a bit more tolerable. Here are some things that have been keeping me happy and motivated during this dreary winter month. 

Snow Days 

Unpleasant weather is the ultimate downfall of January’s ranking. However, the extreme weather can have its benefits – one of those being the recent snow days and cold days. While eLearning takes away some of the snow day magic we grew up with, sleeping in and staying in my pajamas all day is still a huge win in my book. Although it may be cold, the pretty snow never fails to make me smile and it provides fun opportunities like sledding and hiking. 

Sunday Night TV 

This time last year, my family started watching our favorite TV show that is on at 8pm on Sunday nights in January and February. Although I originally saw this as a very inconvenient time to have a family commitment, I’ve recently begun to look forward to it. It’s the perfect way to end my weekend on a relaxing note. After we all finish homework and sports practice, my family gathers in the living room to enjoy a show that honestly isn’t that good, but is a great excuse to still have fun on a Sunday night. My parents love it because it’s only on cable, and I guess it reminds them of their past childhood television experiences when we all run to the TV during the intro music so we don’t miss anything. I have to admit that it does make it a lot more exciting.

Soup Week 

Last week, my sisters and I sat down at the table to find soup for dinner – little did we know that we would be having that same meal for the next two weeks. My mom had declared the week “soup week,” which consisted of us having soup for dinner for a week straight. This one week ended up being extended to two weeks because it was such a hit. Looking back, it was a fun idea that provided some variety to our normal meal plans, but now, as I’m still eating leftovers for lunch quite some time later, I can say I’m thoroughly sick of soup. It’s gotten to the point where I’ve been physically craving solid food. Pictured here are the remains of my least favorite soup, corn chowder, from about six days ago. Nevertheless, soup week was a success as it drove away some of the mid-January dullness. Its warmth was perfect to fight away the cold. 

Leftover Christmas Cookies

Like warm soup, leftover Christmas cookies are a critical element on the ideal January menu. Somehow we still have leftover cookies from the holidays back in December, probably due to the fact that we accidentally made triple batches of our own and then received a surplus of deserts from visiting family over winter break. Although my mom is annoyed that we have so many, my sisters and I agree that they have helped curb our holiday dessert withdrawal. There’s nothing like a Santa sugar cookie to brighten up a bleak January afternoon. 

Summer Jobs

January and February are when I usually start to notice summer job emails littering my inbox once again. While some may groan when they see their boss’s email pop up on their phone, I like to think that it means it’ll be summer soon. In just a few months, I’ll be back in the lifeguard chair at my local pool with the sun shining overhead. Additionally, having a consistent source of income again will be a nice bonus that I’ve recently been missing. I’m really looking forward to hot days by the pool, bonfires with my friends, and outdoor morning swim practices. 

Spring Break

I couldn’t leave out everyone’s biggest motivation – spring break. Thoughts of the beach and ocean waves have been plaguing my mind so frequently that I often find myself bikini shopping instead of doing my homework. Over spring break, my family meets my grandparents, uncle, and cousins in Florida for the week, and I couldn’t be more excited. By that time, the college decision process will be coming to an end, we will be in the midst of the spring sports season, and all of the fun senior events will be starting up. There’s no better way to celebrate than a week off of school!

Although January is known for its dreariness and cold, I’ve actually come to think of it as one of the best months. Sometimes it’s nice to not have any crazy holiday chaos and to just take a moment to get back into the normal routine of life. While exciting events and warm weather mark the traditionally more fun times in life, I think it’s healthy to take a moment to just breathe and enjoy the moment. All in all, I’ve learned that there can be light in the darkest of months. Choosing to find the positive side of things really does make a difference.