By Jamie Kirk
Well, we are reaching the “ho-hum” part of the year. The holidays are over. The binge eating and making excuses is over. The next most celebrated holiday, which is Good Friday is light years away. The few days of no work because of snow or ice are kinda over. The nephews and niece piggyback rides have come to a halt. The credit card statements reflect Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and alas, we have about 88 more days of this crap.
During this bleak period, it is important to recalibrate and (as Kirby Smart said: “honker down”) on the goals we set, the relationships we said we would mend and our dedicate our attention to being the NEW YEAR NEW ME title we have been shouting from the rooftops about.
The next first months the weather is gloomier, the days get darker faster and our ability to get outta bed on some days is just simply challenging. On days like this, it is important not to allow the days to become weeks and the weeks to become months. If we know that we are prone to SD or commonly called Seasonal Disorder, it is up to us to face it head-on. The method that works for me is to count to 10, then just do it. Counting to 10 allows me to focus on the intent and the good feelings I will have after the number 10. Try it.
When you don’t feel like going to the gym, count to 10 and let your feet hit the hardwoods and get dressed. When you don’t feel like running errands because it is too cold out, count to 10 and get your butt to the Marta station or in the driver’s seat. If you want to respond back curt and disrespectfully to your coworker, count to 10 and allow a more reasonable approach and tone to prevail. The method of counting to 10 immediately shifts your thought process and paves the way for positivity and peace (or at least that is way my yoga instructor has convinced me of).
If you are single, use this time to take yourself on dates. If you are in a relationship, try new things in the bedroom or go places you seldom frequent. If you are in school and can afford it, take a class that is not related to your major. This “ho-hum” part of the year should be welcomed as a time to refocus areas of our life that impact your faith, family, finances, and friends. ALL of these areas should not become stagnant. It is up to us to set the stage and allow the foundation for growth to be present.
There is so much to be gained by slowing down and using this time to see how far, oops, I mean if, we are off from your 2018 strategic plan. Go on the offense and take note of what is working. Don’t be too critical and just allow this brief period to be controlled by you and not allow this period to control you. It does not have to be viewed as the enemy, let’s make this time our friend, by rolling out the welcome mat. Hello, “ho-hum” period, I’m glad you stopped by and trust me, don’t get comfortable ’cause you won’t be staying.
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Jamie Kirk works for a software company and is a certified spinning instructor. He also enjoys yoga, swimming, bicycling and running. He aspires to start a blog about what we put in our bodies not only fuels our body but our mind and spirit as well. Follow Jamie on IG @tysonsdad.