Blue Monday vs the Positive Train

This past Monday was known as Blue Monday here in the UK.  I woke up to the BBC Breakfast team telling me it was the most depressing day of the year.  And it's scientific:

According to a press release by a mental health charity,^[3] the formula is:

where weather=W, debt=d, time since Christmas=T, time since failing our new year’s resolutions=Q, low motivational levels=M and the feeling of a need to take action=N_a. 'D' is not defined in the release, nor are units.

(from Wikipedia)

Anywhoo, I thought it was funny because I felt the opposite of depressed.  For the first time in a few weeks I woke up feeling like I was in a really good mood!  I think I just finally got myself into the swing of the new year.  It was a good feeling!  Well when I got to work, I realized that people basically take this whole Blue Monday thing and use it as an excuse to be a dick.  Everyone was in a bad mood.  People drive faster, are less polite, push past you...this has been a trend I've noticed since I got back after Christmas, but it's totally been maximized this week.  Tuesday was the same.  

Finally, on Wednesday, I woke up and thought, you know what?  This is it.  Everyone in my office has the blues, and I'm tired of walking out of work feeling like I need a cocktail and a punching bag.  I'm bringing the positive train back to town.  I got to work on Wednesday and announced that I am making an effort to single handedly turn the office attitude around.  I vowed NOT to complain during the hours of 9-5:30.  Even in post work drinks, I'm going to try and stay above the nastiness.  If people complain to me, I'm going to listen, and try and show them the bright side, or help them understand the other side of the argument.  

SO FAR SO GOOD!  Wednesday was good, everyone was smiling more when they saw me.  Thursday I continued (although I did have a minor fall off the train when I made a factual, yet slightly snarky comment about someone), and today I'm bringing others on board.  People are smiling more, laughing more, and all in all seems like they are in a better mood!  Just goes to show that one person really CAN make a difference!!  

So friends, bring the positive train to your office!  ALL ABOARD!!!!!