How to Avoid Blue Monday (Every Day)

This past Monday, January 22, was called Blue Monday, the day when holiday shopping bills demand attention and resolutions become memories. For many, every day is Blue Monday.

I read an article that said though many of us have more financial abundance, we're not happier. It went into the "money doesn't buy it" theme and related this to holiday shopping. I saw what the author attempted to say, but found myself considering how I now handle this once-a-year gift-giving time. Then I looked at how it relates to life.

Some of us shop at that time in panic mode as we look for ideas, bargains, or specific items. The closer the date, the more harried we become. Long ago, I could be found searching the mall for gifts on December 24. Then I realized this was unsatisfactory. It simply wasn't fun. I began to listen, throughout the year, to people on my gift list and paid attention to what they enjoy and has meaning for them. It became apparent that thoughtfully-chosen gifts are appreciated more than expensive ones. I've turned this time into something that creates pleasant anticipation, mutual satisfaction, and doesn't break the bank. It's become a joy, not a chore.

How does this relate to life? The crux of my method is mindfulness and deliberation, with a simultaneous intention to enjoy the process and the outcome. It's responsive rather than reactive. It isn't sudden, either. I deliberate for a few months before I make decisions, though some decisions are made quickly simply by paying attention.

Some reasons that prevent us from feeling as happy as we'd like are not choosing to feel that way, not being mindful about our moments, lack of planning and consideration, reacting rather than responding, rushing instead of taking a little extra time or whatever time is appropriate. We don't give thought to how we want our lives to feel and then do what will make it so. We go along every day as though it (life) will be alright if we "show up at the mall" at the last minute and scramble around in hopes of finding what will make us feel how we want to feel. This is related to instant gratification that can be addictive, with a continuous need to be fed, but never truly satisfy.

My life is not free of challenges; but how I allow myself to be present mentally and emotionally, creates a level of serenity and happiness that is far more consistent these days. I prefer to participate in and savor the steps on my path to a destination. Like watching the pleased expression on a gift recipient's face, the celebration when I reach a goal is richer when I can remember how I got there. Mindfulness engenders this. What does it take for you to feel serene and happy? If you're not sure now, when would be a good time for you to determine this?