Over the past few years I’ve become aware of an annoying trend that’s unfortunately gained popularity: month long observances. I remember the good ol’ days when I was a kid and when we entered into a new month, all that was necessary was flipping our calendar to the next page. June was June, October was Halloween month, and December was recognized by hating all other shoppers and decking the halls. Now, every month has all these other causes and celebrations beyond the holidays that fall within them. I’ve started seeing ridiculously long acronyms everywhere such as NaNoWriMo, NaBloPoMo, R2-D2, and C-3PO. …I’m over it.
I went to Wikipedia’s page for the month of November and discovered that this month is collectively…
- Native American Heritage Month
- Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
- COPD Awareness month
- National Novel Writing Month
- Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
- American Diabetes Month
- Lung Cancer Awareness Month
- National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
- Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis Awareness Month
- National Pomegranate Month in the United States
- Holy Souls in Purgatory (Roman Catholic Church)
- International Drum Month
- National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month (United States)
- National Prematurity Awareness Month (United States)
- Epilepsy Awareness Month
- No Shave November
- Movember
All at the same time. Seriously, why is all this shit necessary? Why does International Drum Month happen the same time as American Diabetes Month and National Homeless Youth Awareness Month? Aren’t some of these causes incompatible to share a month with each other? Some people really get into all these different awarenesses, too. I’m sure you haven’t yet forgotten that for the entire month of October breast cancer awareness pink ribbons were shoved down our throats. I’m not saying we shouldn’t promote awareness, education, or celebration of any of these things, but why do we have to turn it into a type of month-long holiday to get people to spend money or to get interested? If you love drums, EVERY month should be International Drum Month. If you have diabetes, I’m sure you’re cognizant of the fact you have diabetes every single day. If you’re concerned about the homeless youth, it shouldn’t take one special month to inspire you to do something to help.
Image from Google
Since we’re also in the month of giving thanks, let’s consider doing this instead: start being aware of diseases and being grateful for all the different hobbies or cultures you’re fortunate enough to experience in your life. Let’s give up these tired, obnoxious month-long celebrations of things that people should be doing or appreciating on a regular basis. If you really wanted to write a novel, you wouldn’t need the month of November to motivate you. If you’re concerned about prostate cancer and men’s health, instead of growing a mustache, spend some time encouraging guys to make a damn doctor’s appointment. Nothing’s more annoying than people jumping on the month-long observance bandwagon.
If I see one more acronym starting with “Na” and ending in “Mo,” someone’s going to get hurt. But hey, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. So from now on here at Sass & Balderdash, EVERY month is HaMoLoObMo: Hating Month Long Observations Month.
Lol, I love this post! You are right, all of those other things to add to a month is very unnecessary. What exactly does international drum month celebrate?
I guess drumming… across the globe? No idea, hahaha.
Just weird things nowadays…some useful and some useless.
If only Holy Souls in Purgatory was a metal band instead of a church thing, I’d be a little more excited.
I couldn’t agree with you more.
I agree as well.
Even though I am participating in the month long novel writing thing (won’t use the acronym – please don’t hurt me!), I think the proliferation of month-long observances has spiraled out of control!
I know several people (combining other bloggers here with my own friends) that are doing the “month long novel writing thing,” and I think it’s awesome to make the effort to write a novel–that shit isn’t easy! It just bothers me that it seems to me that a lot of these people are driven to do it simply because they want to be part of something rather than taking the initiative to do something they want to do for themselves. I don’t know. I’ve never been into the whole group activities concept.
I think you’ve hit on it. I write on my own, but participating in NaNo means being a part of something larger than myself. It’s connecting on some level with other people, both locally and internationally, that are feeling the same excitement and pressures. It’s definitely not for everybody, but it’s a month-long party in my world. Come over to the dark side. We have large amounts of caffeine and giant plot holes!
Your post was good! It’s definitely something that needs to be dialed back (I work for a business that thrives on this month-long shit and it sucks). And I essentially see what you’re saying about “month long novel writing thing.” But I’m participating because I don’t like to leave things unfinished, but lack motivation. Yeah I like to write, but if I have a deadline (arbitrary or no) I’m more likely to do it. It sucks when you update your word count and the calculator says “At this rate you’ll finish…in May.” That’s an “aw fuck” moment and makes me work better. I don’t care so much about the community as I do about the given structure and goal it provides. Does that make sense?
The thing about month long observances is that they provide entry points for people who want to get involved. They also offer a great network of people who are knowledgeable about whatever it is they are observing. Obviously some are more pushy than others, but I think if someone has a general interest but don’t know where to start these groups can be helpful. Also you missed my favorite observance this month, National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month. Not sure what kind of entry points you can gain there, but maybe its an excuse for me to eat peanut butter every day this month. I like your blog, I’ll be back!!
I think the group aspect of it all definitely has its pros and cons. I see the value of having a whole network of people there to support and motivate you, but at the same time I feel as though if you want to do/celebrate something… you should just do it on your own. For me, especially with the novel writing one, it starts to seem like the importance is focused on being part of the novel writing month more than the act of writing the novel itself. About the peanut butter lover’s month… Wikipedia’s list must not be complete! If that isn’t a reason to go on a month-long peanut butter bender, I don’t know what is. I’m glad you stopped by!
“No Shave November”: Turning men into complete creepers one pencil mustache at a time…
Hahaha, exactly! I hope next month is “Normal Facial Hair December.” …Watch it be some weird Santa Clause facial hair month or something equally creepy (and gross).
This is great! Happy HaMoLoObMo month to you! Shall I start printing T-shirts?
And to you! Yes, of course. The sooner the better.
Get a ribbon going too. Something people will really notice and go, “Oh of course…they must support the hatred of month long supporting.” How’s puce? Or a nice mauve!
Ha! Mauve sounds perfect for this purpose.
Although I do like the No shave November month, I can never participate because of wearing capri workout pants in the gym. I don’t think my workout buds would appreciate the harry leg thing. lol
That might get some unwanted attention! I think that one’s mostly for the men, unfortunately.
Yes..true. We just like to joke around with them. My son comes home this weekend and he will have a full beard. All the odd observances though are getting kinda weird I think.
Awesome. I love this post!! I am so glad that you wrote this so that I could know that I am not the ONLY one who is annoyed by this. I don’t need people telling me what to be aware of and when. And I am sooooo tired of the pink ribbon shit. I care about people not getting breast cancer or any kind of cancer for that matter and I’m glad we’re working on a cure… but my wearing pink or a ribbon all month long is not going to get them to a cure any faster. All it accomplishes is possibly making otherwise caring people grow annoyed with these causes. Great post!
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! I’m glad I’m not the only one that’s fed up.
hahaha, brilliant post!
I’m currently writing a bad novel in a short space of time… but yeah, I probably could have done this any other time, and maybe done a better job of it by taking my time. :p
Thank ya! Congrats on writing your novel. Don’t go away from this thinking I’m hating on your novel-writing, I’m not! I just hope when you write your next one you write it in the middle of March or something.
I guess sometimes people like to have a little kick in the ass to jump start things. When you commit to NaNoWriMo, you want to do your best to stick to it. Plus, you get support and can talk about the experience with others.
I think there’s nothing wrong with Movember, because only good comes out of it, and the world needs as much good as it can get.
Sure, if you want to write that novel you should write it…but maybe not everyone is as motivated as others. Does that make them pathetic? To be a writer, does one need to be on their game 100% of the time? What’s wrong with needing a little inspiration, even if it comes in the form of a month long goal? Haven’t you ever had a goal in life to inspire you to be or do your best? A “kicking a bad habit” goal? A “getting healthy” goal? A “dropping those last few pounds” goal?
A lot of people don’t know what to do or how to help when it comes to bringing awareness for diseases (especially if they’ve never experienced it). I think it’s great that people have found a way to bring awareness to many different people around the world. It brings us all closer together. Maybe one day we won’t need it and people will be donating and bringing awareness as if second nature, but for now I believe it’s necessary to do something and act before people just generally don’t give a fuck anymore.
Here’s the thing: I think the sole reason NaNoWriMo inspires anyone to write a novel is simply because suddenly it’s “National Novel Writing Month” and now these less-motivated writers now have the added incentive of being able to tell people they’re participating in NaNoWriMo, and tell people they do! Because you see, it wouldn’t be NaNoWriMo without people shouting from the rooftops that they’re writing a novel this month. What happened to being an individual? What happened to doing something on your own, for yourself? What happened to declaring, “This is it. This month I’m writing that novel.” Instead, some people needed someone else to set that goal for them. I respect the hell out of undertaking the writing of a novel in one month, but what I have trouble respecting is when people bring it up every second of every day. At a certain level, especially in writing, people should be accountable for their own work without needing validation. There’s a fine line between networking and keeping yourself motivated and being trendy and partaking in groupthink.
I have had a significant goal like that, only instead of “dropping those last few pounds,” it was “dropping those extra 130lbs.” The thing is, I didn’t wait and join a group of people that also wanted to lose 130lbs. I didn’t start a Couch to 5k program, Weight Watchers at work, or any other kind of group that gives me an excuse to rely on other people to do something I should be responsible for on my own. That’s my real issue with a lot of this: the reliance on other people for you to achieve something that YOU want. The way society is today, it’s nearly impossible to be an individual anymore, but damn it, there are a select few ventures where I think people should make an attempt to do something just for themselves without NEEDING other people’s support.
In terms of disease awareness, that’s a whole other can of worms. All these ribbons and mustaches and you name all do jack shit to raise awareness. It’s a gimmick people can buy into to feel like they’re making a difference, when in all reality they’re partaking in the latest trend of the month. Does seeing a man with mustache make me understand the plight of someone with prostate cancer or motivate me to understand preventative measures? Nope. It just makes me want to direct the unkempt gentleman to the nearest razor. It’s the same with breast cancer. October has become the biggest abomination in terms of disease awareness with what the whole “pink” mentality has done to breast cancer. The “pink ribbon” philosophy has brainwashed women into thinking they’re doing their part by wearing a “Save the Ta-tas” tee shirt. …Give me a break. These are all legitimate causes being bastardized by ridiculous fads and marketing schemes, and the end result is people get so swept up in the excitement of being a part of something that they don’t even realize what they’re supporting or what they should really be doing to raise awareness.
Let me take a second to clarify everything I’ve just said before anyone gets the wrong idea and thinks I’m entirely anti-organizations or anti-group efforts–when done right, they can certainly enrich your goals. I know from reading numerous weight loss blogs on WordPress that having the added support can be a tremendous help in reaching a weight loss goal. I can imagine that deciding to write an entire novel is a huge project to take on and having a community available to bounce ideas off of could be both reassuring and constructive.
Everything I write, whether I mean it to be or not, is colored by my own opinion. I literally can’t escape me in my writing. So when you see me questioning and being critical of these month-long efforts, I’d be negligent not to acknowledge my own bias: I’m a firm believer that people should be independent and individuals wherever possible, especially with their writing, especially with promoting disease awareness, and especially with any goal that’s important enough to them that it seems daunting in the beginning. I believe that when you accomplish something on your own, it’s worth more. That’s always been my mentality. The idea of relying on others, to me, will always read as weakness, and so when I see all these people becoming part of a group all in the name of it being November? It bothers me. In this day and age, people need a higher level of accountability to themselves and more respect for the value of their own goals and dreams. It’s never easy, but I think part of growing as a human being is toughing it out on your own with your endeavors.
I digress, this comment got MUCH larger than this post and really could have been a post unto itself (maybe someday!), but uh, in case you were wondering, there’s a brief synopsis of my values! I see your point, and I see how these groups could be ideal and foster something really positive, but coming from a realist with some cynic tendencies: it’s not all roses.
I would argue that awareness months are very healthy for people starting something for the first time. If you drum, odds are you drum regularly without anyone telling you that you need to. If you have cancer, I’m sure that you are always (on some level) aware of cancer, the research, the activism, and other aspects of it. If you are serious about writing, then you put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) at least once a week.
But what if you are not serious about them? What if learning to drum or writing a novel were on your bucket list ten years ago? If you have an interest or a goal, and have not felt that sense of immediacy (as in needing to lose 130 lbs to become healthy), then I feel as though month long awareness campaigns are a very healthy way to raise awareness for the lay person or to remind us of what we promised ourselves we would learn ten or fifteen years ago.
Think about it, is Black History Awareness Month for black people? Do they have to be reminded that they are black and have a history? Perhaps some have lost touch with that, but I believe it is for the rest of us. To the purposeful, driven ones, I don’t know if there is a point to all these months. The ignorant ones, the ones who have grown out of touch, always have the most to gain. I have thankfully never had cancer. I don’t know the first thing about it, but I do wear a pink ribbon to remind myself of those who’ve lived with and sometimes died from the struggle.
If you misconstrue my logic, it’s easy to end up with this: No one should ever do anything in groups or be interested in new things ever again! I just re-read my post to be sure I didn’t write something that suggested that, and I didn’t. If you’re not serious about a hobby or a cause, but you want to be, I think you should be able to take the initiative on your own to get involved without a gimmicky month telling you to do so. Whether there’s a sense of immediacy or not shouldn’t matter. I personally don’t think wearing a pink ribbon does anything for breast cancer save for showing that you’re aware of and willing to spend money on the marketing campaign behind it. There will never be a perfect world where everyone holds themselves personally accountable for educating themselves or even chasing their own happiness without someone telling them to, and that’s unfortunate. That’s just my opinion about it.
I’m positive that there are plenty of people out there who, everyday, declare that they will accomplish something that day or that month. You may not see it, or read about it, but it’s definitely there. Whether big or small accomplishments and whether you talk about it or don’t, I believe it’s something you should be proud of! And if you want to declare it to the world…all the best to you! People have the choice to listen or not. Why shouldn’t people be proud of trying to accomplish something, even if they bring it up “every second of every day”? A friend of mine was trying to quit smoking and posted on Facebook every chance she could to get feedback and support from everyone when she was doing well or slipping. Are you saying that she should have kept it to herself and stand alone in the battle of one of the hardest addictions to kick? Or is that okay, because it’s life threatening and in that circumstance you need a support group?
If you’re saying people should write to WRITE and not for validation or to be part of something “bigger”, then why do people even bother blogging ? Why don’t they keep all their thoughts, ideas, opinions, and stories all stored up in their computer on on paper at home? I think it’s because, deep down, they want people to read what they write and comment (whether good or bad). They want some sort of feedback and to be part of a community. I think they want to participate in a bigger ocean rather than just swimming around in their own mind.
Every day we rely on others to accomplish something that WE WANT to do. There are little things everyday that make us a “part of something” rather than an individual. We rely on grocery stores for food that WE want. Why don’t we just all have a garden out back of the house that someone else built? I mean, heck, we rely on WordPress. Why don’t we all just learn how to make our own website? Why not? If we REALLY want to be creative and different maybe we should all jump off the ol’ “I’m a blogger!” bandwagon, take a course, and learn how to do it ourselves (because we should be more independent). We’re totally using this means to get our ideas across. It’s simply selfish. I guess we do show our individualism by picking our background, fonts and colors, but REALLY make it shine with our content….but maybe that’s all worthless because we didn’t build the website from scratch. Maybe we’re all weak for relying on something other than ourselves for getting our ideas across….
Every day we blog we’re shouting to the rooftops that “Look at me! I’m bloggin!” . How is that any different from people posting pictures everyday or every week of their slowly growing mustache? How is that different from people titling their page “NaBloPoMo Day 2″? Every time we hit “Publish” we’re screaming out “Look at what I just did!” and we’re proud of it. So, just because we’re quietly proud and writing posts like “How to Make a Diaper Cake” makes us worthy people? We’re still shoving the fact that we’re proud to be writing in everyone’s face.
I understand how upsetting it could be that people don’t even realize what they’re partaking in. At least have the decency to read up on it and be informed. But, even if it is all just a gimmick and if people don’t really get what they’re supporting and are just going with the flow because it’s now “the thing to do”, I’m positive that somehow, someway this will benefit people (in general) down the line. Someone’s life will be saved because of it. Someone will get comfort from stories, knowing that they are not alone. How can that be so terribly wrong?
As for trying to write a novel in a month because “everyone else is doing it” , it may lead to one of the best novels ever written! Who knows….maybe there’s a writer in someone who never really thought about writing, and now because they caught a glimpse of NaNoWriMo and decided to give it a try, they discover that they have this amazing ability with words and never knew they had. Isn’t that worth something in life?
It is NOT weakness to rely on others for support to achieve a goal. That would be like telling an alcoholic that they are weak to search for help through AA. “Do it yourself, you drunk! You want to get sober, you’re on your own!” That really makes a lot of sense. But maybe that’s alright because alcoholism is a serious problem that could affect the many people in their life. But…wait…so, people who have a difficult time being motivated and inspired are suddenly the weakest and most unworthy people on the face of the earth? Just because they participate in NaNoWriMo or Movember? It’s okay to have an illness and need support, but not okay to have emotional challenges and need support?
I think any accomplishments are worth something, and saying otherwise just emits a lot of negativity that the world has already had enough of.
This turned out to be a lot longer than I had hoped. Wow, actually a LOT longer. I understand some things you’re getting at, Katie. Other things I really don’t agree with and I know that’s okay. Everyone is allowed a difference in opinions and outlooks in life. I guess I’m just trying to hold on to as much positive vibes as possible.
Deciding to do start doing something on your own is admirable and ideal–what ISN’T is joining in with a group and advertising the undertaking with all the pride as if it was your own original idea. The difference is your friend decided to quit smoking on her own; it was her choice, unless of course she quit during National Quit Smoking Month. In my opinion, letting a month determine when you do something or make a change cheapens that goal. I know the obvious logic there, “Who cares how you do something as long as you’re doing it?” Well, in my opinion, I care. I think it matters. I think it says something about you and your drive. I think there are certain goals you should have the initiative to take on by yourself, and then if you need it, seek support along the way. When you commit to one of the month-long observances you’re jumping on a bandwagon, period. No matter how good your intentions may be, at the end of the day, if the month of November and the month-long achievement it supposedly represents is what inspired you, you’re joining in with the masses.
I agree with what you’re saying about writing–all writers WANT to be read. We have a completely different outlook about this, and that’s okay. What I’m saying is, I started my blog because I wanted to–not because it was it was National Start Writing A Blog Month. Sure I want people to read it, who doesn’t? It’s so easy to take what I’m saying and blow it up that way to where it shows just how much we can’t do anything without wanting feedback or approval. So let’s flip it the other way. Why should I bother doing anything without feedback or help? Why isn’t there someone what I should write about everyday? That’s equally ridiculous. The fact of the matter is this: conformity is inevitable. What you said above only reiterates the fact that individuality is an endangered species risking extinction. There’s still something to be said for doing something on your own without needing a group to tell you to do it.
How is putting up blog posts different than putting up pictures of a mustache…? How is it not? I’m not writing a posts because it’s Blogging Awareness Month, because no one would get that from my little posts, much in the same way posting a picture of a mustache does nothing for prostate cancer. In my world, if I felt inspired to write a novel simply because of NaNoWriMo, I think that accomplishment would be tainted for me, because someone else was the catalyst for me starting it. I have an intense need to have as much ownership over my actions as I possibly can, because life has a way of forcing your hand. That’s just my own, perhaps ridiculous, outlook on it. To me, there’s a difference between seeking support and doing something because it’s apropros. Accomplishments aren’t all created equal, for me.
I admire your optimism, and please don’t take any of this personally. I have no intentions of unfollowing you or not reading your blog; I love it! What this back and forth essentially is, is the difference between optimism and I guess, brutal pessimism. I can own up to that, and I’m definitely not saying what I think is necessarily right, either–but it’s what I believe.
I guess you’re write about my optimism lol! I really don’t take any of this personally, but I do really enjoy talking and discussing and arguing about things. I believe it’s important.
You’re right about my friend, though. It wasn’t National Quit Smoking Month or anything like that, so I see what you’re saying. I still think that the positive outcome from participating in something like that would completely overtake the fact that a month determined that decision, but that’s just me. I believe the goal would still be admirable, and I wouldn’t think they were weak or any less worthy as a human being. I would still be over the top proud of them.
Another friend of mine just signed up to Weight Watchers and I’m so happy that she’s taking steps to becoming a healthier person. Some people don’t have the tools they need (or the time) to really take care of themselves and if that means stumbling on their webpage and deciding to finally do it, to me that is so great! If that’s what it takes to get positive results, so be it. If it takes a story that’s posted once a month about losing a loved one to prostate cancer or breast cancer (or something else) to create awareness to help someone else down the line it’s totally worth it to jump on the bandwagon for that time.
I’m all for individuality and independence, people need to learn to do things on their own and take initiative, but there are times that you have to let yourself go and be a part of something bigger, even if it’s just for a moment. Something good may come out of it. Instead of only being concerned with your “self” and improving your ability to be self reliant, we should support and encourage those who may have more self doubt and who may feel more self conscious about themselves and their goals. It may help them to be more self reliant in the end.
Don’t worry, I love reading your blog as well. I really loved the rants about the Grocery Store Gripes. I’m sure someone may have had different opinions on the matter, but it’s all in good fun to think about these kinds of things and especially important to discuss. Without the contrast of upbeat optimism and brutal pessimism, the world would be a bland place indeed.
Makes things interesting, that’s for sure! I hope you don’t mind me voicing my opinions and thoughts. There aren’t many people out there who you can argue/talk/discuss with without taking offense or taking it too personally.
Thanks!
” … with all the pride as if it was your own original idea.” Which I don’t think any of those people are doing. They’re part of a herd, and they know it. I’m not a NaNo person and never will be, but if it gets people up and moving, who cares? It doesn’t MATTER why someone does something — no, no, seriously IT DOESN’T. Get off the high horse. What matters is whether the thing itself gets done. If there’s a novel at the end of the month, I have no crap to give. Maybe it’ll be a lark, maybe it’ll be enough of a kick in the pants that someone somewhere will get another idea and decide to go for it.
Yes yes yes, they shouldn’t neeeeeeeeed that reason. They shouldn’t neeeeeeed to be part of a herd. They shouldn’t this, they shouldn’t that. Tough. Some people do. Speaking as someone who has zero interest in NaNoAnything, stop expecting everyone to do not only what you do but for the same reasons you do it. There is no wrong way to be a novelist, as long as the stupid thing gets finished.
Marie, thank you so much for representing the other side of this so well in the comments section. I really respect you for debating the issues at hand instead of, oh I don’t know, telling me to “get off the high horse” I had no idea I was on. …Who did that again? Oh.
This post, especially the comments section, has taken a really awesome philosophical turn that I love. So while I’m aboard the high horse, I’m about to make a (very unintentionally pretentious) reference to Ralph Waldo Emerson, because Marie your comment about being self-reliant reminded me of it so much. I’m talking about this quote from Self-Reliance: “There is a time in every man’s education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till.” I see why people like month long observations and how they empower them, but at the end of the day, I’ll always think the work you do on your own is worth more. I’m amazed a post that was essentially a rant about month long observations could have this kind of response in the comments, so it just goes to show you never know the way a blog post will affect people.
fireandair, I haven’t forgotten about you. I think what gets people up and moving does matter, which I addressed above in response to Marie. Never in my post did I say we should go around ridiculing people for participating in these months, what I merely suggested is that there’s a significant place for self-discovery outside of month long observances, and that we should take some time for ourselves to take stock of the things we should be doing entirely on our own. I had no idea I was advocating people doing exactly what I do. …What exactly is it that I’m doing anyway? Moreover, I KNOW people will continue to participate in NaNoWriMo, but does that mean we should censor all dissenting opinions about it? Let me guess, my post somehow suggested that, too. I have no expectations that anything about these month-long causes will change, which is exactly why I said “at Sass & Balderdash” at the end of this post. This is MY blog after all, and I’m allowed to publish any reflection about any issue that I want. Whether or not people read it or embrace it is entirely out of my hands.
I had a reply building in my head, but Marie has already said it beautifully. There’s no weakness in reaching out to others when you’re trying to achieve a goal–any goal.
I’m biased, of course. I’ve participated in NaNoWriMo for several years now–and I write year-round, too. Why do I still take part when I’m working on novels the rest of the year? The community is a big part. Writing can be so solitary (even with the explosion of the writing on the internet. Sometimes I need the real-life interaction, too) and things like NaNoWriMo are a great way to meet local people with similar interests. And it doesn’t matter what your goal is—writing, health, etc–sometimes doing things with other people is just more FUN. Sure, if I want to lose weight I can hit the treadmill by myself, but it’s more fun if I head to the gym with my friend. Do I need other people to achieve these goals? Not at all. But will I enjoy myself a little more if there’s a social aspect? Usually, yes, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
I’ll admit that some “awareness” months are silly, but if it’s a reason for people to get together and enrich their lives–or the lives of others–in some way, then where’s the harm? Should they stop because their enthusiasm annoys some people?
In this day and age, it’s really easy to get caught up in the 9-to-5 grind or the responsibilities of day-to-day life. It’s awesome that some people are self-aware enough to step back and say, “You know what I really want to be doing with my time? [insert project].” Or “You know where I really want to put my money? [insert cause].” Those people are amazing. But there are just as many who, between the bills and the progress reports and taking care of the kids forget about those things, or push them aside to take care of their more immediate responsibilities. If an awareness month brings those projects or causes to the forefront of their mind again–or gives them a kick in the pants–that’s a wonderful thing.
But as I said, I’m biased
At the end of the day I guess I’m just an enthusiastic supporter of (most) things that begin with Na- and end with -Mo 
That Marie, she has a way with words, doesn’t she?
I think it’s unfortunate that as I’m reading a lot of these comments some of those that disagree took this post as advocating some weird antisocial, shut-in mentality. I wasn’t getting at that at all. I applaud you for writing year round and not just during NaNoWriMo–that’s the difference for me. What I was trying (and apparently failing) to get at in this post was that people so often put off doing things they know they should be doing until a larger group starts doing it, and I think there’s something to be said for going out and doing it on your own, specifically with regard to month long observances. I’m not suggesting anything along the lines of, “Why get lunch with a friend when you could easily eat alone!!!” That’s ridiculous.
I see what you’re saying about being awarenesses being an opportunity to remind people to get involved. That’s a definite, indisputable positive aspect of all of this. I just think that no matter how busy you are, you should be able to make those efforts on your own. Maybe that’s not realistic, but that’s my personal vision of the ideal.
NaMo on, Hayley! I’ll be cynically and antisocially muttering from the sidelines.
I’ve never seen those acronyms before, but I agree with you that they can be cumbersome. There are too many things to be aware of in a given month that half of the time I am not even aware of what’s going on!! lol Congrats on being FP!
Thanks! It definitely gets to be a lot–I think that’s another issue with this. With so many different things going on, how do we decide what cause gets precedence?
Hi Katie, You need to add HaMoLoObMo: Hating Month Long Observations Month on this list don’t you think! Love your blog and thanks for sharing!
Ha! I think so, or would that be hypocritical? Thanks for reading!
Ha ha!
I wish I’d thought of this when I was younger, I could have had a ‘no period’ month…!
By the way, congrats on being Freshly Pressed – by, of course, the same organisation that asks people to do a daily post (and I think have or had a – wait for it – monthly post challenge!)
Hahahaha, oh, the irony of it all isn’t lost on me! Thank you!
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed! I feel so ahead of the game having read this post earlier before it was on the FP page, lol.
Thank ya! You got VIP access.
I love this. I could’ve/should’ve written this. That NaNoBloMo (or whatever) is overgrown puffery. Our national obsession with acronyms is threatening to take over us all. I can’t remember what all that stuff stands for. I love blogging as much as the next person but really? All those letters and initials? Isn’t that just the same as postaday?
Thank you! I’m really not sure, I just think it’s a shame there’s no holiday for personal accountability–oh wait. Maybe that’s because it’s something we should ALWAYS be doing on our own.
You’re right that every month people should be aware of problems such as homeless youth or diabetes. However, I think these month-long awareness things are actually just to make sure that people who don’t know or don’t care learn to know and care, or just to show extra support.
And NaNoWriMo is more like a contest than something to spur writing a novel (though plenty of people do that too).
I see what your point, and you’re absolutely right. I still think the other side of it though is making strides to do things because YOU wanted to do them and not because a themed month reminded you.
well, i think we can both agree that they are both excellent opinions, right?
Absolutely.
You could take this one step further and ask why everything has a lable now…phobias, diseases, health issues etc…
I do agree with you though, it’s annoying to see so many bloody things to “celebrate”. Sometimes it makes you not want to celebrate anything at all! Takes the specialness out of the special events.
Very true, and I totally agree. There’s something that takes away from the cause or the hobby when its at this level of mass awareness.
I do participate in Nanowrimo but not no shave November. A group of us guys last year were trying to figure out how men could look repulsive year round by an obnoxious month long observance. Now, thanks to goldfish memory, I can only remember Dreadlock December, Mullet March, Afro April, and Shaved Head September. But you’re welcome to help me re-create the list.
Hahahahaha! Those are great. Hell, with some of the month long observances that actually do exist, these really couldn’t hurt anything. Except maybe Mullet March… What about Justin Bieber hair June? Faux hawk February? …Now I’m getting into it.
Nice article. Movember always stresses me out cause I can’t grow cool facial hair. Last year I participated in NoNoWrMo. I ended up with a 50,000 word novel containing nothing more than “All work and no play makes Clark a dull boy.” I figured if it work for Jack it might work for me.
Ha! Thank you. That novel already sounds like it has more substance than most of what’s popular today. Throw in a vampire, and you’ve got yourself a bestseller on your hands! My condolences about your facial hair. See, even these months can make people feel slighted! Even more reason to be skeptical.
Sing it sister! People who need a formal, publicly recognized month as an entry way into doing and achieving things are more likely to be incapable of doing and achieving what that month is dictating anyway. Otherwise they would have done it long before it became a trendy (and monthly) thing to do. I mean, come on, there are teenagers out there having babies and doing hardcore drugs, and they don’t need a Teenage Pregnancy Month or Gateway Drug Month to justify that achievement?!
In my opinion–which is 100 percent non-scientific and completely biased towards skepticism–the only reason we have so many recognized and dedicated months in our culture is because Americans, and the rest of the developed world for that matter, are becoming less and less able to interact independently and on their own. We need to do things together. We are likewise increasingly unable to operate in the long-term. Our attention span dies after a paragraph, a few “Likes” on Facebook, our Daily Post… (see how I trailed off there?!). A majority of people doing this novel writing thing will not make it, nor should they because I, for one, and probably you, wouldn’t want to read a half-ass novel written by a half-ass writer for a half-ass reason. And while I’m all for calling attention to worthy causes (which do not include novels written by every asshole on the internet) limiting that attention to a month negates much needed attention during the remaining 11 months of the year.
Anyway, I get you, and thanks for posting this. I celebrate a monthly observance that happens to extend over the course of the calendar year: WhGiAFuMo (Who Gives A Fuck Month).
I love your comment. I think we might be twins. I couldn’t agree with you more, and THANK YOU for understanding what I was getting at without taking it to ridiculous extremes that don’t even make any sense.
Inability to act independently, check!
Half-assing things because of decreased attention attention span and drive, check!
Limiting attention to one month negates needed attention the other 11 months, check!
I’m a little embarrassed at how excited this comment made me. Seriously, thank you for this and indicating to me that at least ONE person really understood exactly where I was going with this post. I’d be happy to celebrate WhGiAFuMo anytime (ideally with alcohol).
Oooowee, count me in and drunk! Three cheers to BoMaMeSmInMo (Booze Makes Me Smile Inside Month)!
I LOVE THIS POST!!!!! While the hype of a month-long awareness can lead to new people finding out about a cause, typically after the first week the cause grows tired and enthusiasm wanes. I prefer hyping an event that’s going to take place one day or one weekend because it keeps things fresh and adds an urgency to the cause at hand. And as for National Novel Writing Month, why can’t it be more of a concept that lasts throughout the year where the individual commits to whichever consecutive thirty days in which s/he wants to attempt to finish a novel? Personal motivation should outweigh mob mentality/mass desire. I recognize that organization is important because pooled resources can accomplish more than individual ones, but participating this month just for the sake that everyone else is doing so at the same time, too, is exhausting and detracts from passion and the creativity it yields.
Well done, and congrats on being freshly pressed!!!
I TOTALLY agree with you. What you said about personal motivation outweighing mob mentality is exactly what I was trying to get at with this post. These month long observances take something away from the value of one individual’s effort. Thanks for reading.
Love this post! I’ve thought along these lines before. Stupid month long observances indeed!
Thank ya!
die movember forever. my friend also unfortunately celebrated oc-tie-ber – wearing a tie or neckpiece every day for all of october and documenting it on fb. like i said. die forever.
Oh my gosh, oc-tie-ber? I’ve never heard of that. How awful.
wow, never heard of that one. Sounds a little bit ridiculous if it isn’t for anything rather than the sake of wearing a tie or neckpiece for a month…
Katie, by the way, congrats of being Freshly Pressed! Is it your first time?
Thanks! It is!
Possibly first and last, hahahahaha.
No way, you’ll be Freshly Pressed again! You have great posts
Aw, shucks.
Crohn’s and colitis need it though, seeing as how no one has a clue about it
Great post!
Thank you!
Yeah, I think you’re on to something here…
I like to think so. If nothing else, it’s food for thought.
I really hope you don’t mind me using some quotes from this beautiful rant of yours in my next rant. It is totally funny/freaky/downright weird that my co-workers and I were just talking about why there are so many useless holidays and month long ‘awareness’ causes that we, as a whole, cannot seem to escape from.
Please, feel free! I’m just glad I’m not the only one thinking/talking about it.
Such a true post – yet I think maybe the world has become too lazy to live without these constant reminders. When a special occasion happens, people listen. Sure, we should pay attention all year round, but we don’t. I think at the moment these month long awareness campaigns are a bit too heavy, but charities really need to raise their statuses to actually stay in the game, and unfortunately the only way they can do that at the moment is things like this.
That’s the real heart of the issue–people having to rely on a month to get them up and moving. I think people need to hold themselves to a higher standard and higher accountability. I agree with you. It’s unfortunate how reliant on these causes people have become to stay informed.
I did feel like there were too many causes and awarenesses going around… Congrats on being freshly pressed!
Thanks!
Not all month-long observances are bad. My family has for as long as I remember celebrated “birthday month” for all of us. Well, that wasn’t actually because we celebrated for an entire month, really it was just a procrastination-buffer so that as long as you got them their present within a month of their birthday it wasn’t considered late…
Congratulations by the way.
See, birthday month is different. I’m talking more about causes and celebrations that are meant to inspire people to action, when they really should be culpable for making those strides on their own.
Using this logic, we’d also have to eliminate marathons and birthday parties. Why run with a group of people when you can do it on your own on a Saturday? And we should also appreciate each day someone is alive, not just on their birthdays.
I do think some of the observances are silly, but doing something with people is always more fun! Sure, I could go wine tasting, to the movies or dinner on my own, but sometimes it’s nice to have company.
That wasn’t at all what I was trying to get at in this post. I’m not disparaging all group activities–just the ones that rely on a special month to get people to do things they should be doing year round, irrespective of what calendar month we’re currently in.
Hear! Hear!
WP’s recent post, NaBloPoMo is here! Need some inspiration?, rubbed me the wrong way when, with great exuberance, it cheered: “It’s time to put your thinking cap on, fire up the computer, chug some extra coffee, and get a-postin’!”
Why? So that we can ALL boast that we posted something EVERY day in November in conjunction with the NaBloPoMo challenge? Where’s the value in that?
I headed round to compare the NaBloPoMo challenge (write a blog post a day for a month) with the NaNoWriMo challenge (write a 50,000 word novel in a month). Arriving at NaBloPoMo headquarters, I stared in horrified fascination at the site’s self-proclaimed theme . . . blogging for blogging’s sake.
Wow! That sounds a bit like talking just to hear yourself talk! At least WP encouraged us to put on our thinking caps BEFORE striking blindly away at the keys.
Blogging is a great way to say something . . . when we have something to say. It has far less value when we post just to say something.
For that, there’s Facebook.
Thanks for a brilliant post!
Thank YOU! You hit the nail on the head. Thank you for using my line of thinking and applying it to a different situation IN A LOGICAL WAY. I appreciate it. Thanks for reading.
It’s apparent that many of the people who don’t get what you’re saying live life by general consensus ~ relying on others (including the media and advertisers) to tell them what to do, wear, be, say, watch, eat, buy, etc.
On more than a few occasions, I’ve observed that those who live life by consensus tend to ridicule and bully peers who choose to step out of the mainstream by walking to the beat of a different drummer.
Rather than applauding uniqueness and individuality, they look askance at anyone exercising personal autonomy ~ voluntarily assuming the role of Border Collies, yipping at the heels of miscreant sheep who stray from the fold, urging the wayward sheep to get baa~ck in line.
Reclaiming our freedom, to live life fully, requires that we tune out societal messages urging conformity . . . to listen to own inner wisdom. (And find our own motivation to follow our own priorities without jumping on the next-best-bandwagon that rolls down the street).
Write on!
Baa-ck in line–hahahaha! That’s one of the best things I’ve ever read. Personal autonomy is sadly a rare quality these days.
What I like about NaBloPoMo (which I’ve never participated in before or anything like it) is that it’s open to anything you want to write about…no limitations. But it asks you to write interesting posts and good material to the best that you can.
Even though I try to do that every time I write, I’ve learned that it’s nice to have that little reminder in the back of my head. “Marie, that paragraph doesn’t make sense. Come on! You can do better!”. What I’m starting to learn from now participating in NaBloPoMo is that I actually CAN post an article a day (I always wanted to, but seriously never thought I actually had the time).
I’m thinking that when the month is over, I’ll actually be keeping up the habit. I’m really hoping to. If that’s what I get out of NaBloPoMo, then I couldn’t be happier!
But you’re right, I’ve noticed a lot of people participate in NaBloPoMo write a short little entry like “Today was awesome! I had chicken for lunch. Here’s a picture.” ……………and that’s it. Like you brought up, that definitely seems more like a Facebook status update.
Thanks, Marie. If posting every day is a priority for you . . . then you should find the time to post every day. Especially if it makes you happier.
But what happens if you miss a day? Will you feel like a failure because you couldn’t keep up with the rest of the pack? Will you wonder why you bothered? Or will you just keep posting carefully crafted quality post WHEN you have the TIME to do so?
That’s the key.
Much of what humans do is just “busy work” . . . we’re like residents of a huge ant farm building tunnels to nowhere. We need something to do while we’re here . . . so we pretend to ourselves that the “tunnels we’re building” are important.
Most of them aren’t.
What human beings really crave is the opportunity to exercise Autonomy, develop Mastery, and feel a sense of Purpose. The more we are treated like FWU’s (Fungible Work Units) on an endless conveyor belt from Birth to Death, the less motivated we become to create.
When we focus on QUANTITY ( a post a day or a novel a month) instead of QUALITY (writing when we have something of import to say AND carefully crafting our words to express it in the best possible way), we lose.
When motivation comes from within, we’re INSPIRED. When motivation comes from without, we often end up DEFLATED and DEFEATED . . . because IT (whatever IT is) wasn’t important enough to us in the first place.
It’s not just WHAT we do that matters . . . it’s understanding WHY we are doing IT. And if we are doing IT just to go along with the crowd, we are generally wasting OUR time by not setting our own priorities.
When we know WHO we are . . . we know HOW to live. ~ Goethe
Thanks so much for that reply. What you’re saying makes perfect sense. If I don’t write that post a day, if I miss one, I won’t feel like a failure. I try not to be that hard on myself. In my eyes, I would have won because I’m learning something from this experience. I’m learning that I have a lot more ideas running around in my mind than I thought! That’s definitely encouraging and absolutely worth it
I love that quote, by the way. Thanks!
I love that you are focused on what you are LEARNING from the experience ~ I’m learning that I have a lot more ideas running around in my mind than I thought!
We learn, we grow, we change, we evolve, we explore, we live! Write on!
“Write on!”
Love it
It’s National Pomegranate Month and I was not informed??!
Unbeknownst to me that it’s National Pomegranate Month, I attempted to eat a pomegranate the other day. …You’re not missing much.
I agree with you – somewhat. People who are living with diabetes or suffering from prostate cancer do have to live with it all the time but what about raising awareness? When and how do we do that?
As for the novel thing. I am participating this time because I have this tendency to overplan. I am so busy making notes and stuff that I don’t actually get to the writing. This forces me to get the story down on paper at least.
That’s the tricky part. I think that organizations are meant to “raise awareness” and “fund a cure” quickly get wrapped up in simply making money rather than raising money for finding a cure for these diseases. Good luck with your novel and thanks for reading!
I agree. It’s gotten ridiculous. And don’t even get me started on NaNo. The picture posted about it couldn’t some up my feelings anyt better. Good post.
Whoops, sum.
Thanks! Also, you’ve instantly gained my respect by correcting your typo.
HA! Thanks. I…I try.
This if the first time I am responding to a blog. You are too funny; particularly since I’m staring at my computer under the pressure of NaNoWriMo…. what happens if I don’t finish my novel this month? I guess, nothing.
Love this post! I was thinking about writing about this just the other day (and thankfully, unlike me, you’re a doer & not just a thinker!). If you wanted to add to your list I saw an ad on tv the other day informing me that November is ALSO World Vegan Month… bloody hell!
Now that you say that, I seem to remember hearing something about World Vegan Month! I can only imagine what other more obscure celebrations are missing from the above list… National Q-Tip Month. Cottage Cheese Enthusiasts Month. Purple Sweaters Month.
Katie…you crack me up! Seriously, though, at first…when I heard about NaNoWriMo I started to feel this pressure…like maybe I should be doing this or people won’t take me seriously as a writer. Then I thought about what I’d just said to myself and chucked the idea. Stuff like that may work for some people and may not for others. Me…I do better working on my own without putting rules and deadlines around it. In fact, I believe the words that have been used to describe me over the years have been “out of the box” and “abstract” in how I think…and my ideas flow. So you can imagine the hindrance that feeling obligated to write would put on me.
Same thing with the blog one. I looked back since I started my blog. I blog practically every day anyway unless I have major events that prohibit that. Why do I need a “month” to dedicate to doing what I have been doing anyway? Bah! It’s too much pressure.
It becomes like a diet. People can go on health kicks or decide to get healthy and do great because they consciously, for themselves, decide to make lifestyle changes. Someone who goes on a diet? Usually just the word helps to create failure…and then there’s the fact that most people assume that there is an “end” when they start a diet….which means once they get to their ideal weight, they fall back into bad habits. Yeah…I’d rather decide to make some lifestyle changes than go on a diet any day. The success rate is significantly higher when the only person you’re committing to is yourself.
Just my 2 cents. LOL!
I’m with ya! When I first heard about it, I remember thinking, “Why am I not doing this?” Then it occurred to me I could ask myself that same question the other 11 months out of the year when I’m not writing a novel. Beyond that, I don’t really know that I’m a fiction writer anymore, but that’s a topic for a different post. I relate to what you’re saying about doing things on your own timeline–I’m kind of the same way. I like to do things when I want to do them or when I feel inspired to do them, not when someone (or a month) tells me to.
Love your diet analogy, too!
I already celebrate “no shave” every month! I’m already ahead of the trend!
In all seriousness I do admire this post. As a writer, NaNoWriMo aggravates me because if you’re a real writer, you write all the time. You can’t help it. It’s like a disease, but not one that should take up an entire month.
Ha! Well that’s one way of looking at it. Thank you, and I agree. I see the good intentions behind it, but the whole concept of it just really bothers me.
So glad I’m not the only one. I’d managed to avoid hearing of NaNoNooNah until earlier this year and got heartily sick of the relentless tide of back-patting and cheering on that seemed to be taking over WordPress.
I wrote a short post about it the other day and really enjoyed discovering a fellow skeptic. Keep up the good work!
http://hdthomas.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/bah-humbug/
I hadn’t really heard much about until this year, myself. The other causes (specifically the disease-related ones) I have, but NaNoWriMo was new to me. Glad I’m not the only one that’s sick of all the back-patting–there’s definitely plenty of it going around!
I totally agree with you. I feel that if one wants to change the world, they should stop sitting around hoping for things to change and actually MAKE CHANGE. I personally am planning on getting a job at a nonprofit organization so that I can help change the world once I get my degree, instead of just throwing money at the organization. I took the initiative to volunteer at a local hospital and later discovered it was “National Month of Service” or something. Thank you for writing this post.
Victoria
That’s exactly it. Congratulations on following your own path, and thanks for reading!
you’re very critical about this, a bit controversial (see the comments?), but i don’t mind with that. i still find a bit sense of humour in your post btw. i get your point. in my opinion, those causes/awareness of the month are just to remind those who are not aware. not a bad thing. but yeah, if you care, love about something, just take action right away regardless of those whatever long month periods.
When I was writing this, I had no idea people would respond the way the did–especially those that responded negatively. I didn’t realize I was broaching a sensitive issue here, but I think it’s resulted in some interesting conversations in the comments. I just think if you want to be aware and/or educated about something, it’s your responsibility as an individual to get aware and educated without relying on a month to give you the information you need.
but at least you manage yourself to be freshly pressed, haha! that’s positive
i agree with what you think. i’m also kinda tired with those months. it’s just not everyone is responsible and sensitive enough to the causes. ehm, their fault anyway. cheers!
Congrats Katie!
Thank you!
Hi Katie, wonderful post and so true. A month is a very long time to tolerate the growing slug under the nose of one’s beloved
Thanks! I agree!
Brilliant post Kate. I think a lot of these month long things are mainly hype/publicity orientated, as well as beyond stupid.
The illness/good cause related ones I don’t really find annoying; but I do often think (sarcastically) “oh so for the other 11 months of the year breast cancer, hiv/aids & mental health etc can be ignored”
Thank you! I agree, and sarcastic or not, that’s kind of how it seems!
You nailed it Katie! This shit is out of hand. Movember is personally my most detested observation month: http://whothefuckaskedyouanyways.wordpress.com/2012/11/04/movember-is-ruining-the-mustache-game/
(Shameless plug, I am embarrassed but I did it anyways.)
Thanks! And hahaha, it’s okay as long as you admit it’s shameless and that you’re embarrassed, it’s okay.
I’m completely new to this writing thing, and was feeling pretty low because I didn’t know what a NaNoMoFo was. You have restored my self-respect all in one post. Thank you, and if you don’t mind, I’d like to proudly join the HaMoLoObMo movement. Do we have a secret handshake or something?
Ha! We should! We can totally create one. I think middle fingers should somehow be involved.
Nice…
I’ve wondered this, too. Why are certain months dedicated to making everyone aware to certain diseases? It’s like Valentine’s Day. Apparently there’s only one specific day we have to focus on loving our significant other, forget the rest of the year! I can relate to this as well because I have a friend who does NaNoWriMo. It sounded fun at first, but I never got the motivation to write just because a new month started. If I want to write, I’ll write. Plus, I can never follow deadlines
You want me to write 10,000 words p/day? I’ll write however much I feel like before having a tea break and spend the rest of the night browsing the web. Motivation can’t come because someone asks it to, or forces it to. Good article!
Thank you! I totally agree with ya. I like to write when I’m inspired/motivated to right. I think putting all those guidelines around how many words you have to get done takes away some of the job and the art of it all.