Happy Endings, Happier Beginnings

I always feel a big twinge of depression after the holidays are over. All the activity of December leads to a bleak January. How do I snap out of it?

Having the desire to snap out of it is half the battle so you’re well on your way to success. All you have to do is find pleasant diversions and activities to fill up your calendar. Try taking a class- it’s fun to learn a new skill like cooking a new type of dish or discovering your hidden talents in a woodworking shop. Another thing you can do is plan a vacation because trips are great at giving anticipation and excitement. Finding the simple enjoyment of spending time alone or with your friends will be a great way to start the year off on a positive and stimulating note. Start considering options, make them happen and in no time you’ll be snapped into a great place.

After a few years of being single I finally met the one. I’ve never been happier in a relationship, but what makes me unhappy is that a couple of my friends don’t seem to be on board. There’s no justification to my knowledge as they’ve all spent time with us with zero issues. These friends wait until they have me alone to voice concern and to plant seeds of doubt. The result of their words aren’t pulling me away from my relationship but make me seriously doubt the legitimacy of my friendships.

It’s important to remember that your happy ending isn’t necessarily a happy one for others, Perhaps these friends are fearful that they will lose some part of your friendship if you’re “distracted” with a relationship. The bottom line is that their words of discouragement are exactly that- theirs. Unless your new love is an unemployed axe killer who won’t get off the couch unless it’s to see the officer in charge of his lengthy probation, I’d say you’re good. Follow your heart, follow your gut and you’ll know what road to take.

Do you believe in New Year’s Resolutions?

Absolutely- as long as you resolve to achieve attainable things. Setting yourself up for failure is self-defeating and isn’t the point of the resolution exercise. Pick the three top things you’d like to “resolve” and really work at it. Check in with your progress on July 2nd, which is the halfway point of the year. If you’re game at that point add a couple more to knock out of the park before December 31st!