Funky

In case you hadn't noticed, by my super-short and less-than-inspired posts lately, I'm pretty funky these days.  And I don't mean funky as in "hip," I mean funky as in "if Daylight Savings doesn't get here soon I'm going to put my head through a wall." 

Funky.

This weekend, my husband must have asked my sorry-looking self a dozen times, "what's wrong?" until I finally gave them answer that explained it all:  "It's February."

February has been my hardest month for as long as I can remember.  I find myself frequently curled up in a little ball on the sofa, letting my to-do list grow and grow as I try to clear my muddy thoughts.  Is it the lack of sunshine?  The post-Christmas let-down?  I don't really know--but it's very real.  In the days before my depression diagnosis, my February Funk was often quite serious.  I distinctly remember one February, years ago, in which I had a rare chuckle and realized that my smiling muscles were actually rusty from lack of use.  Nowadays, the funk is more of a "normal" wave of the blues.  For that, I'm thankful. 

And of course, here I have to insert the disclaimer where I admit I have nothing to complain about--I have healthy children, a happy marriage, a comfy home, etc. etc.  (That "disclaimer" is never very far behind me, always making me feel guilty for battling the Funk, which in turns make me Funkier, and on and on...)

After many years of February blues, I have managed to learn some little coping strategies:  Plan something to look forward to (this year we're taking a little mini-vacation at the end of February).  Create something with my hands (which is always therapeutic for me, regardless of the time of year.  This year I'm working on a little dealihoo I might show you if it doesn't turn out horribly.)  And the biggest thing? 

Remember. 

Remember God's faithfulness.  Remember how good it feels to laugh.  Remember how much He's blessed me.  Remember that He walks us through the wilderness sometimes so we can gain a different perspective.  Remember that springs comes, both in the weather, and in my heart. 

Next time you have some time to kill, stroll over to Bible Gateway and do a search on the word "remember", just in Psalms.  So many of those verses talk about how David coped through dark days by remembering brighter ones.  Many more of the verses remind of us God's faithfulness to remember us, even when we can't see Him.

A coping strategy I would not recommend is eating half a can of Pringles before lunch.  Which I did today, incidentally.  I didn't feel particularly perky afterwards.  Just greasy.

In summary?  Psalms=good idea.  Pringles=not so much.

And so, if the tone seems a little blech around here, know that everything is fine, truly, and just bear with me.  When March comes, I turn into a pleasant person again.  Until then, you'll find me over here on the couch, remembering.

And eating Pringles.

Comments

[Kelly]

Also, "remember" what a blessing you are to so many in bloggityville. Be encouraged during this tough time.

[D]

I'm right there with you - I, in fact, ate OVER half a can of SC&O Pringles today for lunch. I would have eaten the entire can had I not looked down & thought, "I can't eat the whole can - what will my hubby think?!"

Thanks for the reminder that it is not just me, and to remember Who brings the spring!

[TaunaLen]

Is that why I am wearing a permanent groove in my couch? I think I'm gonna take your 'biblegateway.com' advice tomorrow!

~TaunaLen

[Laura]

Gosh can I ever relate AND I also ate half a can of Pringles today as well!!!
Laura

[Jane]

I know what you mean about Feb. Although for us teachers it is a crazy busy and mercifully short month. With Valentines, groundhogs, the presidents and black history month there is plenty to celebrate. I have always been so thankful for that.

Quick question: I made the rag baby blanket from one of your previous posts. It turned out great, but I am worried that the recipeint will have to give it a haircut after each washing. How close to the seem did you cut your fingy edges?

[Michelle]

February and Funk are synonymous (did I spell that right?) By the time March comes I'm dreaming of Hawaii, or any place that's not covered in snow.

[owlhaven]

Hubby hates February too. At least it's the shortest month....

Mary

[Robyn]

Oh I'm so glad we don't have the winters that you endure in North America! Thank you for sharing your story. I've been dealing with depression and anxiety for 12 mths now and its certainly made me cling to my Heavenly Father.
I do have cravings for Pringles now though! :)

[~liz]

i can relate. and the cold we're experiencing now is keeping all of us indoors (bitter temps and babies do not a good mix make!), so my cabin fever on top of the "it's only february blues" is making for a not-so-very-nice me these days.
thanks for your "remeber" advice. i think i shall do that before the kiddos wake up this morning! :)

[Jenn]

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm, pringles...

[Mom In Action]

I'm right there with you! Except it's dark chocolate anything, not Pringles, that is my mood food. I just keep telling myself that dark chocolate is suppose to be good for you so even though I'm in a funk I'm actually adding years to my life with my chocolate therapy.

[Susan Joyce]

I went through a depression time years ago. The best advise I was given was set a time limit and say something like "it's okay for me to be depressed and I'm allowing myself to be depressed for (15 minutes or 1 day or 1 week... you fill-in what ever period you're willing to be depressed) and then stick to that time only. I was surprised how just saying this to myself would make me realize I really didn't want to waste too much of my precious time being depressed.

My silver hair makes me very aware of how fast time goes and how precious every moment is. I don't remember growing older!!!

[Just Jana]

Well, I'm glad it's not just me! I must say, I had JUST been wondering what was going on around here when I read your post. January was all wonderful, and then FEBRUARY FIRST rolled around and suddenly I was DRAGGING. Thanks for sharing this. I've been encouraged!

[Aimee]

Amen! I call it "The Febs" and my coping mechanisms are remarkably similar to yours. Makes me feel less funky already :)

[Code Yellow Mom]

I don't know...Pringles are somehow good for the soul, too. ;)

February IS rough, especially when the lack of sun and the cold keeps not just you, but the KIDS, inside for way. too. long. I love your ideas for coping.

March is only 22 days away!

[Leah in Iowa]

Shannon~
I just wrote a post about this a few weeks ago, using the word "funky" and everything!! (I'm a brand new baby blogger and if I could figure out how to send you straight to the post, I would. But I don't. It's in the middle of my January archives.) Know that you're not the only funky mama out there. Realizing we're feeling a bit blah, and reaching out for the Father's help (with a bit of chocolate perhaps) is the best medicine! March will be here before you know it. The days are already getting longer here!
~Leah

[Jan B]

Last year I nearly went nuts because I wanted to go to Florida so badly in February. All those ads all the time about the magic in Walt Disney World and we had six days off. I didn't want to be trapped in the house with everyone, I wanted to GO!

This year I have taken up painting and that is helping me a lot. I am not dying to just go somewhere and I am enjoying the winter. It's hard to believe. A fulfilling hobby makes a huge difference for me, just getting my mind OFF the long winter.

PS. I have buds on my maple trees and we are nearly in Canada, so Spring is not too far away.

[Kim]

I accidentally put my comment to this post on one 2 down! I'm so sorry....I scrolled down too fast,I think.

Anyway, The Psalms is great advice for anyone! I'm sorry you are not feeling like your self. Spring is on its way,my dear! Endure!

[boomama]

This time of year IS hard. It really is. I saw buds on a tree at the post office the other day and came THISCLOSE to taking a picture, just to remind me that warmer, brighter days are ahead.

Hang in there, friend.

And I highly recommend the cheddar and sour cream Pringles.

[Kim (MercyDays)]

The winter takes a toll on me as well. I am usually scattered in the brain but still movin' around and getting stuff done with some level of enthusiasm. Our move from TX to VA about 7 years ago really through me for a loop. That whole "seasonal" is so for real. Having never really dealt with true winters in Texas and having those burst of summer-like days were just enough to keep me from sinking. Actual COLD days for three whole months shouldn't be the cause for a complete funk-down but it certainly started the spin. I read your 06' post and it's evident that your gift for writing has been used as a gift to many. He uses it all. Blessings.

[jen]

January is my moth for being Blahhh.....I'm glad its over. February doesn't bother me as much....I enjoy Valentines Day and the party planning for Madison's B-Day 3/1....and my wedding anniversary is the 26th....so I look forward to so many things....I hope you feel better soon...I good thing to look at there are only 28 days this month....chin up.

[Stacey]

Yes, Jan/Feb can be the longest hardest months around here as well! I think I may blog about this as well....

You are not alone and we all are headed through the homestretch seeking some sun!!

[Tara]

Now that you mention it, it was Jan/Feb when I talked to my OB about PPD. I have something to look forward to at the end of this Feb, a new baby! The eviction notice is signed and dated 2/26/07, so I'm in the final countdown. Now to finish the baby laundry and the quilting project I've got started...

Oh, and last night I bought a king sized Reeses AND a Hershey's bar with brownie bits (limited edition of course). I think maybe chocolate is what I prefer to Pringles, what do you think??? :)

[Lynne]

Today's my birthday, so get up off the couch and do a happy dance for me. Then go eat the rest of those Pringles!

[ThoughtfulMom]

I'm with you there. February stinks. February 22nd is the worst.

Know what helps me? Good worship music - Hillsong - Vineyard - whatever is available that glorifies my God and gets my thoughts off myself. We'll be listening to it in the car this morning.