I heard that quote on a radio show and to my mind it perfectly describes the days between Christmas and New Year. I think everyone feels the malaise to a certain degree, the anti-climax of the big day, too much time with the family, enforced jollity, too much time to think, lists of chores planned when there was no time are now neglected because who can be bothered due to general mental exhaustion. I have also been suffering over the last few days from post Madmen (series 5) blues. If it isn't already, it should be a recognised syndrome. This series isn't for the faint-hearted and although sharp, sleek, brilliantly well written and executed drama, it is sometimes cynical but compelling (and masochistic) viewing for anyone who has spent their working life in offices. 
Having said that I do want to be Joan when I grow up.... I bet the actress that plays her would like to as well as she gets the best lines and really does try to help in her own way. 28th Dec - the last episodes of series five were followed by a fitful night after drinking and eating late again, I went for an early morning walk which turned into an even longer walk and I was tired and emotional and feeling the withdrawal effects of the MM world. However, after a coffee and read of the paper I began to feel better and it was due in no small part to reading my stars. Instead of the usual fare, the compiler took a holiday and put in a quote from a notable person with the same star sign. Mine was from Mother Teresa and I felt quite humbled and instantly better after reading it ...
"People are often unreasonable and self-centred. Forgive them anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway."
Then out of interest, and as I suppose if any of this star business has any basis and is responsible for my psyche, I read my Dad's and then my Mum's too - yin & yang but the two sides of my personality are perfectly summed up....
"Unhappiness is the ultimate form of self-indulgence... you get to take yourself oh so very seriously. The unhappy person resents it when you try to cheer him up, because that means he has to stop dwelling on himself and start paying attention to the universe." Tom Robbins
"On planet Earth, man has always assumed he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much - the wheel, New York, wars etc - while all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. Conversely, the dolphins had always believed they were far more intelligent than man for precisely the same reasons." Douglas Adams
For good measure, I read my beloveds ...
"Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude. There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behaviour, like the wish to scatter joy and not pain around us" Ralph Waldo Emerson
All very sound advice and I want to take heed. So far I am on day 3 of the new me...... despite it all, I am doing right anyway. The Mayans might be right and the end of 2012 could indicate a new era. It is unlikely to be all about me but you never know and perhaps the Universe will give me a hand to think more like a dolphin and get things into the proper proportion!
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