Back in 2005, Dr Cliff Arnall came up with a formula for calculating the most depressing day in the year. Blue Monday is supposed to be on the third Monday of January.
So… How do you feel today?
I woke up with a spring in my step and feeling rather good. So no blue Monday for me here.
Maybe we perceive it as a melancholy day because most peoples resolutions are down the pan and motivation might not be going in the right direction.
I hope you are not feeling down and you are looking at blue Monday as a way to get re-connected to your plans and thinking about what you want to create.
I find that writing helps to keep me on track, no matter what. When you write, you make an unconscious connection to your inner wisdom. So ok, sometimes things may feel like they are off key, but with a bit of writing and reflection, you can get back on track. Blue Monday is a perfect day to review how far you have home and if your plans need tweaking.
I know mine do.
When this year started I was full of excitement about what I wanted to create. Everything was set up and ready to roll.
And then…
Well, like many illness struck.
I was super naffed off, but heeded the words of my mum and wise coach to practice instead some radical self-care.
And you know what?
I’ve tweaked my plans and I am even more excited. One of my journaling books – Heal Your Heart is coming along very nicely.
Beautiful blue Monday
Smart marketing aside, what’s not to love about blue. Dark, light, powder, bright, royal, mystical and calming. The colour of the sky or the deepest sea and a colour to lose yourself in. A colour which symbolises:-
- truth – your truth
- faith – that you are on the right track
- trust- that this is the right time for what you want to create
- wisdom – your wisdom is what the world needs to hear right now
- and loyalty
Blue to wrap it’s arms around you to create inner peace and outer confidence. Use blue to connect to your throat chakra and learn to speak your truth, communicate and spread your inspirational message.
Connect to the energy of blue
I’m bringing the energy of blue to my day. For me, blue corresponds is the place where I can voice my message and for a writer it is very important.
When I write I connect to my heart and when I express myself I connect with the throat chakra. Blue strengthens this and brings clarity.
When you think about honesty and integrity you think – true blue.
When something unexplained happens it comes – out of the blue – that feels very magical to me
Blue energy is soothing, calming, and healing. There is something to listening to the stillness within and expressing your inner wisdom.
Imagine yourself looking up on a beautiful day and gazing in to the blue sky. How do you feel? I always feel full of promise and content. It’s a shame that today it is pouring with rain.
Forget blue Monday and create a fabulous week of colour.
Let’s start the week with blue
Take some time to think about what you want to create and then reading it aloud and get comfortable with it. Put on some music, get in the zone.
If a book is on your mind take a look at Twelve essential rules for getting your book written
Visualise it and frame it in blue. Eat blueberries with ice cream to celebrate.
Orange Tuesday
Orange is one of my happy colours. Today smile at strangers, even if they scowl at you, in fact especially if they frown at you. Do something creative, like pen a short story. Soak some oranges in something yummy and eat them with ice cream and chocolate.
“Some think love can be measured by the amount of butterflies in their tummy. Others think love can be measured in bunches of flowers, or by using the words ‘for ever.’ But love can only truly be measured by actions. It can be a small thing, such as peeling an orange for a person you love because you know they don’t like doing it.” Marian Keyes
What do you have planned for orange Tuesday? Reflect how much happier you feel at the end of orange Tuesday, rather than Blue Monday.
In this Love to Journal, journal, smiling is one of the four key elements.
Purple Wednesday
What a glorious colour. The fire of red and the calm of blue. Put some lavender in a diffuser and enjoy the relaxing, calming smell as you work.
What about kicking off your day by reading this brilliant poem by Jenny Joseph.
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people’s gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old and start to wear purple.
Don’t forget to go out in your purple hat today. Reflect at the end of the day, how many conversations or strange looks you got in your purple hat.
Green Thursday
Get out in Mother Nature and spend some time reveling in the beauty of the day. Think about something you would like to grow and sew the seeds of your idea now. What have you been thinking about birthing? Today is the day to take action. Try this journal if you need some inspiration.
Pink Friday
Today is the day to wear your lucky pink pants today. Superpants equals super protection. Feel tickled pink all day and that everything is going your way, even if things go slightly bonkers. Bring your inner child out to play and have some fun. What tickled you pink today?
Make-up Saturday and Sunday
Your choice for Saturday and Sunday? What do you fancy for the weekend? What activities go with your colours.
Over to you… How was your week? When you started writing on Blue Monday, what came up and then as the week progress and you gained clarity, how did you feel.
You see when you look at Blue Monday through a different lens with a pen and journal by your side, perspectives change.
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