Beat the February Blahs

Part 25 in a series by Karen A. Stevenson, President, Studio K Salon

February is labeled a depressing month. 

Nature has lost its zeal; cold weather has settled in the air, clothes are heavy and bulky.  Nothing is worse than  5:30 p.m. darkness, and feeling exhausted by 7:00.  Holidays are over, weight has been gained.  Ugh! 

How are we to motivate ourselves when all seems so dismal and gray?  Anticipation of springtime helps.  Motivation to look good in a swimsuit is high on the list.  This is not a time to obsess internal negativity.  We’ve got two things to do. Outward repair, as well as inward.

With all the ‘real television’ shows, and extreme makeovers, how can an average person possibly look great and compete with all the purchased beauty we see around us?  Liposuction, face-lifts, implants, and tummy tucks are all well and fine if we could pool together and purchase numerous lottery tickets. 

Isn’t there an easier way?

Sure there is.  Start with a new hairstyle and hair color that offers dramatic pick-me-up! Learn a new way to apply make up and change some of the humdrum colors that you have been using.  It is surprising how many mini tips you can get from one single makeover.  Freshen your wardrobe with this spring’s new trend colors of turquoise and hot pinks.

Don’t sit in front of the mirror all bummed out.  Many people alter their weight with a new exercise routine, or just get out for an enjoyable walk.  Astounding results from the South Beach diet are obvious.  On the alternative, toning and building at the local gym to gain muscle and mass can be invigorating, and ironically, addicting. 

We all know the simple phrase, ‘you can only change yourself’.  It all begins with making a decision.  Disappointment infests itself when you don’t make the journey into change.

February offers a rut.  This is no time to fall.  Fight with all your might by counteracting the same ol’ same ol’.  Nothing is more humorous than complaining about something as you continue doing it. Don’t like those crooked teeth?  Do something about it.  Upset about those gray hair?  Do something about it.  Not pleased that you have bad looking nails?  Nail salons are right around the corner.  Tired of your house being dirty?  Clean it! 

Why is it we make things so hard?  Is it because we are so boxed into behavior that change seems difficult?  Is it because we enjoy complaining as we sit in no-where-ville?  Is it because we are lazy and don’t want to have to put forth the effort it takes to make the changes?  Is expanding the horizon so difficult that it is easier to not see past our nose?

What are your reasons for not changing and growing forward?

Internally, we are insecure, complacent, lazy, tired, familiar, selfish, bitter or maybe just in denial.  Whatever the reason, it is probably not good enough.  Instead of being hard on others, it may be time to be hard on our own self. 

I recently had a discussion with a person about how people are ‘horizontally’ minded.  To define that phrase, would be how people look at other people, point their finger at the behavior, or looks, or attitudes, and feel free to criticize.  They want to think that their own behavior is so pristine, that they have a right to place themselves on the judgment seat.  Not only is this a cruel behavior, but ruthless.   

Instead of being horizontal, we should strive to be vertical.  Journeying upward and forward.  Furthering our growth, our character, our dignity, our morals, values, and relationships.  Checking our behavior, habits, personal thoughts, and hidden deeds.  No matter if in public or private, ‘who we are’ should be the utmost of integrity. 

Analyze what should be changed. It all begins with the decision to make the change.  Take an inventory and write down the things you’d like different.  As the season comes to an end, a new beginning is on the horizon. 

The newness in you is on the horizon just as well.