Things can only get better

January is almost history; Islanders have plenty of positive things to look forward to in 2016

Here’s some good news: we have made it past Blue Monday, which is the third Monday in January and is referred to as the most miserable day of the year.

There’s no truth on whether that’s the date we feel our most glum or melancholy, but if you had to pick a day, one in late January would be a prime candidate.

It gets dark early these days, and the year’s first month usually produces a cold snap or two to remind us that in spite of all the global warming talk, we still have long, cold winters.

January is also the month when the financial chickens come home to roost - when we need to start making payments on presents purchased during the madcap spending frenzy of December.

In addition, it is a time when people reflect on the past year and some missed opportunities and possibly lost loved ones.

Throw in some horror stories about international terrorism, world poverty, the decline of the red-hot job market out West for Islanders and the free fall of the Canadian loonie and, well, perhaps the third Monday in January is a good choice for Blue Monday. It’s certainly not a good time to visit your financial adviser expecting to find out how much your investments have grown.

But as the expression goes, a frown is just a smile upside down. So lets look for some reasons for renaming Blue Monday to Turnaround Monday for the year 2016.

As of today, it is only 69 days until April. And for those of a certain age demographic, that isn’t very long.

If you are an optimist and believe the P.E.I. golf season could start as early as Saturday, April 16, then you only have 84 days to get your clubs shined up.

And while the days are indeed dark, the December solstice of Dec. 21 is behind us, and it is surprising how quickly we gain time. Sunset on Dec. 21 was at 4:29 p.m.; today it will set at 5:03 p.m.

In terms of the economy, while there are challenges ahead as the country and its dependency on resource exports adjust to the new price norm, our economy is far too strong and diverse to take a fatal fall like Humpty Dumpty did.

The economy, employment and job security are certainly vitally important, but Canada is the envy of many countries when it comes to what really matters — health care, education and security.

More positive news is the fact that before the year is out, Canada will have helped 25,000 Syrian refugees find a new life and hope.

With the end of January in sight, there’s even some good news for youngsters. One of my grandsons sounded a positive note the other day while looking ahead to the remaining school year. He said things will be tough until the March break, after which there is only April to worry about. The pressure is usually off in May and June, he said with a smile.

And, finally, if it’s not the economy, weather, long dark days or homework that has you down, consider this: if you are reading this column, that’s a good thing. Your attitude always determines your altitude so take advantage of the rest of the day - and year.