Funk [fuhngk]: a temporary state of feeling down, unexcited, overwhelmed, or dejected

In the words of Laura Ingalls, it was a hard winter. And I've been in a funk. My mom sent me an email a few weeks ago letting me know that my little rose (a gift that had been transplanted into a flower bed in her backyard several years ago) starting peeking out of the ground. It looks tired and battered, but it's alive! After a winter like this, I don't feel unlike that little rose. I made it through the hard winter, but it wasn't easy.

I guess I didn't exactly know I was in a funk while I was in it. I knew I was sad. I knew I wasn't myself. But I didn't know what it was or how long it would last. Looking back, it was a funk. Yes, that's exactly what it was. I'm starting to realize, though, that I wasn't alone. In recent conversations and correspondence, I'm starting to discover a lot of my friends, family members, and acquaintances have been in their own funks, as well. Maybe all of America has been in a funk. Maybe.

If you were/are in a funk, I hope you realize you're not alone. I hope you know things will get better. For many of us, a funk is part of our natural emotional cycle of life, and it's not a bad thing to admit we're experiencing a funk as it's happening. BUT ... since being in a funk is not fun or healthy, I came up with 10 things we can do to manage even the funkiest times of our lives. And just as it has for me, I know pretty soon your rose will bloom again.

10. Write down a list of all things for which you are thankful. Keep the list. Look at it often. Read it out loud.

9. Surround yourself with friends who care about you. Let them know how you're feeling.

8. Clean something. Just one project at a time - a closet, the desk, a kitchen drawer.

7. Write a card, letter, or email to a friend. They will be happy to hear from you.

6. Open the windows. If it's too cold, open the window shades. Do this every morning. You need sunlight.

5. Go for a walk. You don't have to walk fast or far. Just walk somewhere, then come back home and drink a big glass of water. The feel-better results are almost instant.

4. Change your bed sheets. Or buy yourself brand new sheets - good ones.

3. Hang out with little kids. They will make you smile.

2. Watch America's Funniest Home Videos. Seriously - this works for me every time.

1. Play this song really LOUD. Now get up and DANCE!!!!