The month of February has always been difficult for me. Usually, the cold and flu bugs continue their romp so the air is filled with germy spores.
The weather is too cold for walks and the ground too frozen for gardens. In spite of the growth of chocolate on store shelves and the lovely blend of red, pink and white – February feels bland.
It’s the shortest month yet somehow it feels longest.
How can we find hope in this second month of the year?
Count the Days.
How many days until spring? Or how many days until March which feels like spring even as it roars in like a lion. Keeping a tab of the days helps us realize we are making progress toward a brighter month.
Do Something Wonderful.
February is a great month to plan a getaway somewhere warm or even a visit to family you missed seeing at Christmas. Investigate a local museum once / week or schedule a day of joy outside your area. Looking forward to an event helps pass the time.
Help Another Soul.
As we do something nice for someone else, we focus less on ourselves. Stretch your creative muscles and think of ways to meet the needs of another person. Make beef stew for your sick neighbor. Take a widow to a movie. Make valentines and send them to single moms. Get outside yourself and share hope with someone else.
Find New Ways to Share Love.
February 14th is the day for expressing our feelings to loved ones, but what if we thought outside the box? Take the whole family and serve soup to the homeless. Spend some time with the lonely folks at a nursing home. Give a generous tip to a person behind the counter who serves you. Hold a baby in the preemie department of the hospital. Volunteer at a nonprofit.
Love Yourself.
Most of us are willing to help others and/or we spend a good deal of time taking care of others. But don’t forget to love yourself. Make February your month to begin a new novel – either reading a bestseller or writing one or both. My suggestion? “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah. Schedule a mani/pedi – bright red or casual pink, of course. Reserve one day / week for play and rest. Forget the rest of the world and enjoy being with yourself. Let a massage therapist work all the January kinks out of you.
Embrace the Special Days of February.
Do a search for the National Days of Celebration in February. On those days, follow the prompt. Enjoy the variety of each day and the emphasis it brings to your life. Check out the link here.
Make Plans for Spring.
Order from a seed catalog and plan your garden. Think about a new paint color in your office or bedroom. Tape the paint chip to the wall and live with it for a while. Join a new group and meet new people. Order a brochure for summer vacation and post it near your calendar.
Change One Thing.
Most of us cannot make a major life change during February, nor do we want to. But changing just ONE thing can lift us above the February blahs. For example: the curtains in my bedroom were 12 years old and beginning to fade. I found new curtains on sale and replaced them. That one change brightened my bedroom and boosted my spirits. What one thing can you change to make a difference in your outlook?
As we initiate some of these ideas, we can live through February with a lighter spirit and a greater sense of hope. Then the winter won’t seem so long and we can look forward to those warmer breezes and sunlit days.
©2018 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
In case you need a good book to read during February, consider “Hope Shines.” It will give you a nugget of encouragement each day.
Great suggestions! I will have to try some of them to help with this dreary time of year!
Treat yourself to something wonderful on Valentine’s Day. Remember you are dearly loved !
Rebecca, This post is timely, topical and terrific! Gretchen told me that the backing on Deb’s quilt had fishes and t’s (crosses) on it. Do it does! How appropriate.
That Gretchen is on top of the game! I’m so glad she helped you discover the additional joy in Deb’s quilt.
I immediately tried to think of things I could think about or do in February as I read through this topic. One thing I have started is a book by Desmond Tutu and his daughter about the role of forgiveness in South Africa. It is so thoughtful and reminds me that forgiveness is an important, necessary part of loving my family, my friends, my neighbors, my fellow church members.
My mother-in-law was interviewed about how to have a successful marriage on her 70th wedding anniversary. She said: Prayer, forgiveness, and patience. She was a wise woman.
Forgiveness in February – I love it!
Excellent suggestions for a less-than-inviting season!
Thanks, Jerry. 3 weeks until March !