Moment-to-Moment Optimism

By Dr. Russ

Monday is Dr. Russ Busster Day, the day I offer tips to “Busst-Up” any pessimism facing you this week.  In today’s Bussters I address the PESSIMISM of the WHOLE MONTH OF FEBRUARY.

The “Irony of February:” The month has the fewest days of any, but psychologically seems like the longest month of the year. February is associated with sadness, gloom, ill health, and in the Northern Hemisphere - cold, clouds, and bad weather.  It is the month the Ground Hog often runs back into his hole signaling six more weeks of winter.  Pessimistic – You bet!! And, the “Sticky Kind” for sure.

How can we fight this February Funk?  Like anyone I am subject to getting caught-up in a doom and gloom scenario; can find myself “stuck” looking for some OPTIMISM.  In these situations, I often turn to a little brainstorming technique to help me shed the FUNK.  I take a word directly or indirectly associated with the issue or problem and free associate words and phrases to each letter of the word.  Let’s try the word February.  Here is what I came with:

Eight Dr. Russ Bussters to Busst-Up the February Funkies

F- FOCUS on the available fun and festivals of February including Valentines Day, President’s Day Holiday, the Winter Olympics, college basketball, ice hockey, and even more high school basketball.

E – Learn and re-learn that to “ENDURE” is a worthwhile experience.

B – BELIEVE that Spring is just around the corner; “BLOW” the town and fly south or anywhere for a brief getaway.

R – REPLAY the movie Ground Hog Day over and over, and reflect on the many opportunities you have for “do-overs.”  In this 1993 movie starring Bill Murray in the role of TV weatherman Phil Conners, Conner’s kept reliving February 2 over and over until he finally got life “right.” After multiple “do-overs” he discovered that life was not about trying to fulfill his own needs, but rather about a  quest for continual self-improvement devoted to attending to the needs of others. 

U – UNDERSTAND that this, month of February, too shall pass.   Post up the phrase: “February too shall pass.”  Remember that the ULTIMATE joy of life is personal growth and self-improvement.

A – ACCEPT the “irony” that February is the “psychologically longest” month of the year.  Now, what choices do you have?  Use this analogy.  What advice do you give a family of about to embark on a long distance driving family vacation?  You tell them to take lots of things along to keep everybody busy such as books, games, videos, and other electronic devices.  So – Now what are your choices?

R – RETREAT to your hole and curl up with some good books; REMEMBER beaches aren’t the only place for "summer reading." While in your hole, REFLECT on some self-improvement goals that would benefit others as well as yourself.

Y – Put a sign next to your alarm clock that says, “YES, I CAN!”

FINAL FEBRUARY TIP:  Make your own “free associations” to each letter of the word, “February.” Now, you are truly IN CHARGE of your own “Moment-to-Moment Skilled Optimism.”

Check out the Dr. Russ, "Learning Optimism Blog," on the website: Life in Lansing.