From the Inside Out

You may not have realized it, but today was Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his winter hiding spot (a ceremonial tree stump) this morning to check for his shadow. And yes, you guessed it, he saw it. According to tradition, this means we’ll have six more weeks of winter.

I hate winter. If I could skip it altogether, I would. The only time I mildly enjoy winter is when I’m snow skiing. Winter weather and snow is great for a weekend trip to Colorado, but I don’t want to live with winter weather (or cold temperatures) here at home. We’ve already had too many cold snaps this season. I’m done. I’m so ready for spring and then summer. Those are my favorite times of the year. Wakeboarding, swimming in the pool, cycling, sun, warmth — oh, how I long for you!!

Alas, I must endure six more weeks of winter according to the famous groundhog. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Phil has seen his shadow 99 times. Only 15 times in Phil’s history has his shadow been absent. The tradition of groundhog day goes back to medieval times, according to an article on CNN.com, “all hibernating animals emerged from their caves and dens to check the weather on Candlemas, which is halfway between the winter solstice in December and the vernal equinox in March. Seeing their shadows would mean winter would go on for another six weeks, and they could go back to sleep.”

I do have a slim ray of hope, though. Most meteorologists don’t put much faith in Phil’s predictions. He’s only been right 39 percent of the time. Could there be a silver lining in those gray winter clouds? Could the wait be less than six weeks? I sure hope so!

You may not have known it, but January 24 was the most depressing day of the year. No wonder I felt gloomy last night! According to British psychologist, Dr. Cliff Arnall, January 24th is the day when misery peaks and reality starts to kick in.

Holiday cheer is long gone. Days are longer, and cold, dreary weather blankets most of the country. To make matters worse, the majority of people have already broken their healthy new years resolutions. Many break them 6-7 days into the new year, and even the most resolute typically fall off the wagon by the third week. Pretty sad, huh? That’s why my resolution every year is to not make a resolution.

The January 24th date was calculated by Dr. Arnall using a formula which he created. Dr. Arnall’s formula takes into account a number of factors including weather, debt, time since Christmas, low motivational levels, and time since failed quit attempts. It was actually created to help a travel company determine when people tend to book vacations. Research suggests that people are more likely to plan a vacation when they feel depressed. It gives them something to be excited about.

It’s so funny. As I read the article, I could relate completely. This time of year, I’m always trying to figure out what my next trip will be. Last year, we went to Nice, France. The year before, Breckenridge. This year, I have already signed up for a trip to Israel, and I’m trying to squeeze a quick ski trip into our schedule before the season ends. I guess I’m not immune to the winter blues either.

The good news is that we survived! The worst day of the year has already passed. And once you reach the bottom, there’s no other place to go except up. It’ll just keep getting better and better from here on out. So, shrug off those winter blues and put on a smile. Spring is on the way, and your next vacation will be here before you know it!