January 2019 is done.
Hello February.
Yesterday, the last day of January, through various means (including the radio, social media, news etc) I kept discovering that people were really pleased January was over.
"That was such a long month"
"Ergh, it is so cold"
"What a dark month"
"We're coming out of the darkness" etc blah blah
But I didn't feel that at all and surely I cant be the only one?
In fact, it hadn't even entered my mind to be thinking like that. Instead, I had been thinking of January as such an exciting month; a brand new start; new opportunities; a time to work towards new aspirations; soon spring will be here (daffodils are already out!).
For me, January has flown by and I can't believe it is over already.
I then started to notice the negative twist that is spun into so many forms of marketing and social media and it just seems so unnecessary.
What is the purpose of making people think about how bad something is, surely it is a much better experience for everyone involved to look for the positive things?
Maybe a resolution that my family and I made last year (that we have successfully stuck to, and it has just become a way of life now) has helped with this mindset.
So much so, that I want to share it with you all. If I can help just one other person become more positive and have a happier outlook on life (and help them enjoy poor old January next year) then that will make me an even happier person. So...
"My three things are..."
At the dinner table (usually, although occasionally it may be at bath time, or as we are getting into pj's or reading stories) my husband, my 7 year old son, my 5 year old daughter and I take it in turns to tell each other what our three favourite things of the day are. It can be anything, and the more mundane it is, the better really. We try not to include anything that has a monetary value, instead pick up on the things that have made our day a little bit better that hasn't cost a penny. For example; there was a beautiful sunrise this morning, I had a lie in, I enjoyed my session at the gym, I sat next to my best friend at lunch, that orchid that has finally bloomed."
We do this every day.
It is magical to hear what things have made that day a little bit brighter for those I care about the most. This tiny little act makes you realise that there are SO many positive things happening every day, you just have to notice them. I find myself thinking "that's going to be one of my three things" as the day progresses, therefore meaning that I am noticing more and more positive things happening each day. We very often struggle to restrain it at just three!
So as we step into another new month, why not try this with your loved ones, it really does make a difference!
It is really funny sometimes too.
Please do share your experiences of it with me though, I'd love to hear!