Blue Monday? No Thanks!

The Monday Blue's are real! So real, that in the UK they've somehow dubbed Monday January 21st as the official #BlueMonday for 2019. Considered to be the most depressing day of the year, it's when many realize that they are not on track with accomplishing their New Year's resolutions, they've spent more money than they're earning, the weather is gloomy, and on this particular Blue Monday, the US government is STILL shut down.

How ironic, that Blue Monday also falls on MLK Jr. Day! This is the day for dreamers, and this year the theme is #Unity "We are all one humanity". For me, this is a reminder that we are ALL going through something, and we truly need each other no matter what season of life we are in.

“All I’m saying is simply this: that all life is interrelated, and in a real sense we are all courting an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. For some strange reason, I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. And you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.” - Dr. MLK Jr.

So how do we persevere through this 'Blue Monday'? For me, the anecdote to Blue Monday is my tribe. The people who see the best in me, even when I don't; the people who will sow motivation into me each time I hit a road block; and the people who will join me last minute at happy hour just to celebrate a small win. I am a Type A, perfectionist by default. Which is great when things go according to my plan, but disastrous when things do not. I have a tendency to go MIA until things are 'perfect' again. I fully intended to do so a few days ago, however I spent the past week in Indianapolis with some of my colleagues who quickly called me out, saying,

"Show up, come as you are, flaws and all...things do not always have to be perfect for you to be present."

So often we show up at work as the 'polished' version of ourselves, at least I do. However, I am much more productive and effective when I can bring my full self to the table, flaws and all. There's a sense of peace that comes when you're able to be vulnerable and authentic, realizing that the high standards we judge ourselves by are based more on our own perspectives and less on reality. It's also a way to show your humanity, and to connect with those you work with. Days like 'Blue Monday' are a continuous reminder that as much as we need a tribe at home, we also need some sort of tribe/support system in the work space. As you set your zone for this coming week, make a choice: are you going to observe 'Blue Monday' and sit alone in the mess worried about yesterday, or are you going to observe 'MLK Jr. Day' and stand in unity with a message of hope for tomorrow? The choice is yours. In the meantime, I'll leave you with this quote a friend shared on social media:

You are busy doubting yourself while so many people are intimidated by your potential.

With Gratitude,