WINTER BLAHS!
I hate this time of year, which I call my “hate season.” I hate my clothes; I hate my friends; I hate my job; I hate living in Michigan; I hate my family; I hate my body. I hate…well, you get the picture. I’ve had this hate season—which some call “the winter blahs”—for as long as I can remember. For me, this unpleasant season ends briefly each time the sun comes out and permanently when the first buds appear on the trees. Luckily, I’ve finally learned that I can’t make any major decisions during my hate season. In the past, I wasn’t so smart.
One hate season—I was in high school—I broke up with a boyfriend just because I thought he was boring. I need someone different; some excitement in my life, I thought at the time. So this great guy—and he was great—was discarded for some unknown future prospect. I spent the remained of the first quarter of that year feeling sorry for myself. When spring arrived and I saw my former boyfriend with another girl, I really felt sorry for myself. How could I give up such a great guy!
Other poor decisions made during my time of gloom was getting my hair cut short—it looked awful; giving lots of my clothes to the poor—I really liked most of these wardrobe pieces; drinking too much alcohol—didn’t make me feel better, but worse with some major hangovers; quitting a part-time job because my coworkers were morons—I was the moron.
I still hate this time of year, but now I try to refrain from making mistakes like I did in the past. This year I’ve planned a winter-getaway to visit a friend in Florida. This gives me something to look forward to and plan for. Also, I’ve reacquainted myself with ice skating. I remember having fun doing this when I was young, and I’m having fun now. Also, this activity makes me realize that I need cold weather for this, so it’s good that I live in Michigan.
Another difference during this hate season is I’m making plans with new people—the girl at work who seemed nice (she is) and an acquaintance from the health club. New people are putting a spark into my social calendar and are making me smile. (This wasn’t something I did too often during my former hate seasons!) I have even signed up for a class to learn a new computer program. This skill will prove beneficial in my present job and is a great thing to add to my resume.
My hate season will always roll around right after the holidays, but I’ve decided to roll with it in a more positive frame of mind. This I learned lessens the blahs and keeps me from making too many foolish decisions. I only hope that spring comes early this year!

Suggested links are www.psychologytoday.com (search: winter blahs); www.womenof.com?Articles/p_1_26_04.asp; www.exercise.about.com/cs/exercisehealth/a/winterblahs.htm.