21/01/2026
"Blue Monday"
The third Monday in January was once decided to be the saddest most depressing day of the year and although there is no proof, evidence or statistical backing to support this claim - somehow it has stuck as an event *for over 20 years* even being printed into some diaries and calendars!
The idea that a nation would collectively all feel the same way at the same time for the same reasons is entirely illogical and robs us of our individuality and lived experiences. We have all of us walked a different path in a different shoe to the person beside us. It stands to reason that no two perspectives are ever going to be entirely synonymous.
Today reminded me of this as for us it truly was a
We dressed in black, greeted old friends, shed tears and shared memories, although each person's sadness was incomparably different to the next. Parents lost a son, a child lost his father, a widow lost her husband, siblings lost their brother, friends lost a comrade. Every soul in the place silently reminiscing their own flashback scenes. Their own historical interactions, favourite memories, personal regrets or fears for the future. A room full of singular consciousnesses joined together in one accord: to pay respects and say goodbye.
There is nothing to specify why any particular day should be bluer than another. Especially to the point of labelling it in advance - even on a day like today, as gathering together with friends of old can serve to ignite the dying embers of love, stir hope and build faith for a brighter tomorrow. A bitter sweet symphony.
There was a point in time I would literally schedule a mental breakdown (what we now call burnout) into my diary if I had a prolonged heavy schedule or particularly taxing week. I did it to prepare myself based on previous experiences however over time I learned that yes, today might be tough meaning tomorrow could be harder, but it also could indeed feel lighter. The adrenaline of making it could have us on top of the world ready to hit the next challenge with gusto! We don't know until we get there.
That's the deal with human exisistence. It is as real, organic, fluid and ever changing as we are and you have to be here to experience it.
Life is unpredictable. Don't ever let anyone dictate how you should and shouldn't feel on any particular day or subject matter - even yourself.
All you can do is focus on being there to see what tomorrow brings and act accordingly. Learn the lessons as they come.
The main things I myself have learned in this tumultuous life is to;
🩵Feel all the feelings.
💙Give yourself grace.
🩵Be mindful of others.
💙Plans things with loved ones.
🩵Make promises to yourself.
💙Strive to keep them.
🩵Get through today.
💙Show up tomorrow.
And most importantly, uphold, support, check in and pray for the men in your life... 🙏
