Today is the 20th January. Tuesday, which duly follows Monday, but not any Monday. So-called “Blue Monday”, 2026 edition. So around now, is when people are said to be feeling a little gloomier than usual. Lack of light, post-festive tiredness, early nights, shorter days, less opportunities for exercise, social gatherings, outdoor leisure, fresh air…and…the all-important sunlight…and the renewal energy of Spring seemingly still a very remote prospect. And for those who take New Year resolutions, this is typically when the initial resolve starts to wane. And the “grand scheme of world things” not always promoting optimism.
And yet, this Monday was not deserving to be painted blue.
Firstly, in parts of Scotland, and probably elsewhere, but certainly in the southwest corner of Scotland I am lucky to live in, the sky was ablaze with the most amazing array of colours, as the Aurora Borealis was visible to many lucky or curious observers on “blue” (or rather crimson and green) Monday night.
Besides, many of us are blessed with good enough health that we can enjoy every day as a “normal” day, a day in which we are able to carry on as usual, a day when we have a roof over our head, fresh water to drink and air to breathe, a day when we can walk, eat, work, travel, drive, make plans, play, speak, sing, and enjoy all that we like, love or have to be doing, without hindrance. Sometimes it is useful to remember that this is not the case of much of the world’s population, of those living in conflict zones, or facing the threat of violence in their own home or neighbourhoods, and those who do not live in safe environments, or have health challenges. These situations take away the freedom to live our way that we can enjoy when blessed with health and safety, while, regrettably, sometimes oblivious to the privilege. Indeed, it is often when someone, or something, is taken from us that we start to duly and truly value it.
There are plenty of amazing things to enjoy at this time of year. One of my favourites is attending artistic and cultural events, such as Celtic Connections. Another one is enjoying the beauty and fleeting magic of the winter light, the beautiful bare silhouettes of the trees, the blurry glow of a January scene, a misty hour, a glorious snowy morning, or clear starry skies on a frozen evening. Reading by the fire, cosying in after a chilly walk. Lighting up a candle, drinking from a warm cup with a tasty treat, knitting, reading, cuddling a hot water bottle… or pet, diving under a soft duvet, savouring a hearty nourishing soup, walking into a warm inviting place, relaxing in a favourite yoga or massage studio. So many delightful winter treats for grabs!
Admittedly, I also love winter clothes and if you’re like me, wearing jumpers, hats, scarves, gloves, and other beautiful and colourful woolies is a treat in itself! Maybe this affinity with January is connected to my birthday, on the third week of January, and that, for me, definitely works wonders for lifting it out of its “dreich” reputation. This particular birthday week also marks the anniversary of an aggressive but early cancer diagnosis in my thirties. However, every birthday is a reminder of a privilege I thought I would not have at the time, and each anniversary an occasion to remember I am lucky to be here, and in good health. And this is the 18th year I will celebrate this (now 19th) anniversary.
All of the above is part of the reason why I am so passionate about health coaching people and the gifts that the principles of Ayurveda present us with, and about spreading the importance of gratitude, including and particularly for our most precious asset : our marvellous life vehicle, in all its glory and complexities. And it is also an opportunity to remember how much our body is highly deserving of our respect, and is worth understanding as fully as we can, so we can stay in its privileged driving seat.
And a reminder to always try and be grateful for the gift of every extra day. Whatever the season and whatever the colour the day tends to be coded in…True, life throws challenges and is far from being always rosy…But many of us do have a choice when it comes to living better, and taking the chance to choose our own colour wheel over a Russian roulette, and learn to paint each day any shade we like.
And a reminder that each spin of the Earth is a new opportunity to make meaningful choices.
If you would like to learn more about how your health can be supported in a more holistic, and sustainable way, reach out today… before you don’t!
Colourfully and helpfully yours,
Corinne
PS : For plenty more useful information, you can follow my Facebook and Instagram pages (Yogetherhealth) and also my new website at www.yogetherhealth.co.uk…which launch will be a new Januanniversary to look forward to!