January 18, 2021. Read along as my cluttered brain attempts to sort itself out.

I once met a woman in the psychiatric hospital who gave me a special gift. It was a stone. And not just any stone. This stone was supposed to be able to protect me from chaos. A short while later I accidentally dropped it on the floor. It shattered into pieces. Chaos remained in my life. Was it because I broke the stone? I’m not sure, but likely not. I have no idea why, but I am really missing that stone today. The neat shade of blue and the smoothness of it in my palm. And the selfless thought of the person who gave it to me.

I don’t put much stake in good luck charms or similar items. But I do find them comforting. If any of you are familiar with the Harry Potter series, I made a necklace decorated with the protective magic spell “protego.” In my room resides Blueberry, my blue stuffed bunny from my childhood. He is missing an eye, and I even had to restuff him once. I guess I appreciate the sense of comfort that small material things are able to provide me.

Today is the third monday of January. This day is referred to as “blue monday.” This day has been given the label as the saddest or most depressing day of the year. There is no science to back it up but post-holiday and winter blues are noted as reasons behind the name. The idea behind blue monday is pseudoscience at best, and damaging at worst. Whoever had the terrible idea of designating a day as the worst day of the year?

Blue monday is a harmful thing. In the past I have used blue monday as an excuse to dwell in negative thoughts that day, thinking about everything that is wrong with the world. My point is that people who are not well can be negatively affected by things like blue monday. It makes it easier to suffer. It might be the equivalent of a drop in the bucket, but it upsets me nonetheless. The third monday of January is just another day. One of 365 in a calendar year. Filled with opportunities for positivity and gratitude. On the internet I saw a company pitching the idea of “hope tuesday” for the following day. I like that.

My ramble bucket is empty for now.

Peace and Love.