Thankfully, “Blue Monday,” known as the “saddest day of the year,” is in our rearview mirror. In case you were unaware, this year, for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, Blue Monday arrived on Monday, January 16th.
Blue Monday has no scientific credibility. In other words, there is no mathematical calculation involving, for example, weather conditions, number of hours of daylight, motivational levels, and failure of New Year’s resolutions, to generate an unhappiness scale relating to days on the Gregorian calendar. Actually, some say that Blue Monday supposedly gets its origins from an advertising stunt, intended to encourage winter travel, rather than an official research study.
Nonetheless, let’s briefly consider our relationship with certain days and months. To start with, Mondays get a really bad rap. Most people, as the song goes, “don’t like Mondays.” I guess there are two primary reasons for this: Monday is simultaneously the beginning of the work week and the end of the weekend. This can mean for some, the end of fun and the start of work. And, as for the months of the year, in places that experience winter weather, it is common to experience the January or February “blahs.” So, perhaps, a day in mid-January does not have a lot going for it!
While I do not believe that I am impacted by Seasonal Affective Disorder Syndrome (SADS) – a very real type of depression related to seasonal changes – I recognize that I am generally happier in July than I am in January. (What I do suffer from, is a strong affection for golf, which could partially explain this imbalance).
As for the days of the week, I personally like Mondays! My authenticity on this position admittedly does occasionally waver, but I do love when TCS students are together in one place to start the week; we sing the national anthem and our School Hymn. We have the opportunity to listen to our always eloquent and prepared chaplain provide an important message that resonates with us all; we hear of student successes and upcoming events. Kids are happy to see one another after a few days away; there is energy and optimism. There is a sense of community, of being together, and of being a part of something bigger than ourselves. Surrounded by friends and people that care about you. It’s not always perfect, but I can assure you it’s better than watching world news on CNN at 8:10 a.m.
So, yes, I do like Mondays. Even in January.
Oh, and what is the happiest day of the year? I’ll give you a hint: it falls in mid-June.
In fact, there is still some debate on what exact day is believed to be the happiest of the year, but it seems to fall in the week leading up to June 20th. This is based on the idea that an accumulation of factors, including improving weather and summer heat, the ability to get outdoors to enjoy nature, the option to go on summer vacation, as well as increased socialization with others, lends itself to increased feelings of happiness.
But for me, I firmly believe that the TCS community will realize its happiest days on June 15th and 16th this year.
Thursday, June 15, 2023 is the Junior School’s Closing Ceremony and Friday, June 16, 2023 is Senior School’s Speech Day. On these two days we will host our annual graduation ceremonies outside on our green terraces.
In my mind, and the minds of many, all of us coming together to recognize and celebrate our students and our community as a whole on these two special days in June, will make June 15th and June 16th the happiest days of the year at TCS.
