REFRAMING THE FEBRUARY FUNK

My joy and cheerful energy fade with the arrival of February. This, my self-critic decides, is the perfect time to take on an unreasonable number of projects and expect too much of myself. When I feel overwhelmed, my creativity and productivity vanish.

Without an ounce of compassion, my self-critic belts out her greatest hits: What’s wrong with you? Stop being so lazy and wasting time! Can’t you just get something done?

Shame is committed to provoking fear, shaking my confidence, and compounding these awful feelings by comparing me to others who are no doubt having the time of their lives (yeah, right).

AWASH WITH SHAME, I’LL BUY RIGHT INTO MY CRITIC.

I’ll double down on self-sabotaging behavior like procrastinating, shopping online, opening up the cookie jar, bingeing Netflix, getting lost in social media, sleeping through my workout, you name it. Ah, the February Funk.

WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO HABITS WHEN YOU’RE STIRRED UP OR FEELING DEPRESSED (AND DON’T KNOW WHY)?

To move through these less-than-desirable times, do something basic from your morning routine like make the bed or fold laundry; and then take some time to reframe your thoughts about the circumstance you’re in. TRY THIS:

The circumstance is: It’s a gorgeous day outside, and you’re inside on the couch. Now pick the script that most resembles your thoughts, feelings, actions, and results.

I am a loser for staying inside on this beautiful day. What’s so wrong with me that I can’t just get up and do something? I know I’d enjoy a walk at the park if I’d just go – but taking the time will waste half my day and I have so much to do. I need to catch up but I don’t know where to start. I’m procrastinating, being unproductive, and eating chips. My results: I don’t accomplish anything and feel worse as the day rolls on.

It’s beautiful out there today, and I choose to curl up inside with my laptop. I feel content, snuggly, lazy, and comfortable on my couch with the shades open and the sunlight pouring in. I choose to blog today so that I can offer my God-given gifts to others. My results: I consistently create inspiring or entertaining content that is helpful to someone, and I feel joy and connection.

Same circumstance, different thoughts. Reframing thoughts can shift everything because your thoughts drive the rest of you.

GREAT NEWS! YOU CAN CHOOSE TO CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS ANYTIME ABOUT ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

Despite an undeniable commitment to love and balance through self-care and connection, I can feel flat, procrastinate, and isolate this time of year. THERE IS NO SHAME IN THIS. When I recognize what’s going on, I give my inner critic the day off and check in on my thoughts about the circumstance I am in.

This is how I assess what has tempted me into self-sabotage. With my coach, I work through thoughts that drive feelings which drive actions – all leading to results of one kind or another.

I don’t know about you, but I love feeling great inside and out. I want optimal results (which can be mine when I choose them).

ARE YOU READY TO QUIET THE PAINFUL THOUGHTS, HEAL SHAME, AND RELEASE FEAR?

I help women just like you. My clients prefer to have a trusted confidant and accountability partner on this journey. We work through real issues that unblock what’s holding them back from having the life they want.

Book a time with me. Let’s see if we want to do brave, meaningful, and healing work together.