Sunday, January 4, 2015

Post Christmas Doldrums


Hi friends,

We are now well into the New Year and I'm a little in the doldrums.

I was bracing for cold weather and snows this weekend but it didn't happen.  We did have coolish tempertures last night as I went out to a friend's house for dinner. Maybe the snow is just a bit late. I'm ready for it if it arrives.

I am still feeling a bit tired as I have been in a long cycle of not going to bed at a good hour. I hope to change that tonight.

My cousin who was supposed to visit with my family this Christmas never made it. As an alternative, we agreed that she would visit between Christmas and New Year's but she never made it due to her brother-in-law getting sick. Now she is far away visiting her daughter before she goes home.  I'm glad she is with her daughter who had a heart attack a few months ago.  But I really did want to see my cousin again briefly so am sorry it didn't work out.

I am a bit behind schedule with getting my Christmas decorations put away because instead I've been trying to buy a few things that I need and while they are on sale.  I finally got a chance to take down the decorations this afternoon.  My things don't look so colourful anymore, lol.

It is a bit funny because I have an artificial tree and it sheds needles like a real tree. I still need to vacuum.

See the pine needles all over the carpet.


Joy is my theme word for the year and today I wasn't feeling much of it.

So how can I find joy today?

I think that joy is a choice.  Not just something to be felt only when outside circumstances affect us.

Today I choose to feel joy even if I feel a bit sad too.  Although my cousin did not visit and I am feeling a bit tired and behind schedule in some ways, I can still choose joy and to look at the bright side of things.

Things to be joy-ful about are quite plentiful.

I had a terrific visit with my mom, my niece, nephew and brother. We had an out of town journey that went off without a hitch. When I returned home I was able to unpack, do laundry without delay and put clothing away. This is something I seldom do and it often takes me weeks to fully unpack and put things in their proper places.  I had so many bags of things to put away this year that I made a point of doing it right away.

I also managed to think ahead and take advantage of some sales on household items (bedding, linen, pillows) and some crafting items (rotary cutters and replacement blades, yarn and fabric pieces) so that I'm all set for the New Year. I did purchase some things on credit though so I have to pay those down as soon as possible.

Other ways I am on top of things include keeping in touch with friends. I had a nice dinner invitation yesterday and have another one next Saturday with a friend I haven't seen in awhile. I have so many people to try and keep in touch with so when I get a chance to meet with some of them I feel a bit more breathing room to be able to get in touch with others I haven't had a chance to see yet.

I like to be ready for the year so that I can be as organized as possible. Each year I seem to be getting a little more organized for the coming year.  Maybe that's why I'm feeling a bit tired.   After a month of my routines getting out of whack I'm hoping I can start getting back into a schedule this week.

I hope you are all set for your year. If you are also feeling a bit down after the Christmas whirlwind, I hope you too will choose "joy".  Let's make 2015 a great year!


9 comments:

Debbie Harris said...

The JOY of the Lord IS our strength! I absolutely love that verse because it is true.
I too believe that having joy is a choice we can make, and why not choose joy no matter what?

May your heart be blessed as you begin this New Year in all that you do.

Joy to you!
Debbie

Chris said...

There is always a post holiday let down and lots of us have the January blahs. I miss the cheerful lights and decorations of Christmas , but I do like January! I like winter , all the seasons actually. January also feels a bit like a new slate, time to dream and plan for spring and the year ahead, good to keep it positive and find joy in our lives ( after I have shoveled a lot of snow today !!)

Linda said...

I have been making posts that I hope will help with the doldrums, so please know that you are more than welcome to come by my blog anytime, I would love to know if they help you in some way. Sending you a warm hug.

Jo said...

Ah Penny, I pray that you will soon be out of the doldrums. I experienced this on Friday - so much so that I actually went for a malaria test! It was negative; Regina made me her special ginger tea infusion and told me I'd been working too hard. I took a break and am feeling a 100%. I'm glad you took a walk around my garden this morning and that it brought back good memories for you. I'm working on a word for 2015. Blessings Jo

jabbott said...

Happy new year and joy and peace to you x

John's Island said...

Hi Joyful, What a great post. I feel certain that the world is full of people experiencing the Christmas doldrums and if only they could read this post they would feel better ... I did! :-) Your reminder to keep focused on joy is going to be good for me all year. Actually, when I stopped here a few minutes ago I was sort of in the doldrums too and I already feel better now. Well, for about a week I have been in Montana. It has been very cold and snowy but getting out of the city and having some peace and quiet for a few days is a good thing. The only down side now is driving back to Seattle tomorrow and the roads may be dicey. If you will say a prayer for my safe journey I will appreciate it much!!! Thank you for your blog and wishing you a fine week ahead. John PS Congrats on getting things put away ... I always feel better when that is done.

Mereknits said...

I think there is so much to do for the holidays and then suddenly they are over and the return to normal life can be hard. Sorry your visit with your cousin did not happen. Hope you find Joy today.
Meredith

Joanne Noragon said...

Schedules are good; they keep the world from slipping. Happy new year to you!

Cynthia said...

I always have trouble hanging on to the joy from now through early March. I believe it's a choice, though, like you do. It's just a little harder to get those feelings going at this time of year! It's so cold here, -30fF windchill, that the schools are closed and it's hard to get outside, but the sun is shining and that is a Very Joyful Thing! Be well....

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