It was so cold today!! Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a fan of winter. There is not much about it that I enjoy. I am not a fan of the snow, ice cold or dark. I am not a fan of not being able to get down my driveway, or getting stuck in it. I don't mind a snow day or a delay...especially if I still have power...but that is not always the case. I will admit that there is something so refreshing about resting or sleeping in a warm home when it is deathly cold outside. I do enjoy the winter Olympics every 4 years....but that is about it as far as I can go in extolling any virtues of January and February. I have tried several different strategies to try to make it through the winter, I often use this time to embark on a procrastinated project (trust me I have too many of those). But it seems like I am always cold and always walking around with my coat on. I just don't like winter.
I have learned that life goes on...whether I am happy about it or not...whether I want to go on with it or not...and so I try to take it one day at a time. Many years, this one included, I have started a countdown to spring. There are 77 days until Spring (March 21st...don't even argue with me about this....that will be the subject of another blog). A voice inside me hears someone scolding me to not wish my life away...and I try not to...but it helps me to deal with the misery that is winter, by breaking it down into understandable units, baby steps.... I reassure myself that spring will actually come, that the trees will bud, that I will smell the fresh spring air, and be able to go for a brisk walk with the dog. I will rejoice when the count goes down to the 60's and then as it continues to decrease, I will prove to myself that with the passing of each dark, cold day...the number is getting smaller as the light and warmth is getting nearer. I think there is a word for this...and I think that word is called hope.
I will learn something about myself this winter...just from the very enduring of it. I will realize anew...that I am stronger than winter, that it can freeze me to the bone, but it can't break my spirit. With each passing day...I will find a way to find warmth and joy and love despite the cold. I will find ways to inspire myself to find the beauty in each day....even though I don't really see the beauty in the winter. I will hold the hope that warmer days will come. Each day I will resolve to live the day to it's fullest...and when it is over, I will congratulate myself that I am one day closer to spring.
As I endure winter, as when I endure other difficult times, I will keep the hope in my heart that better days are coming...warmer days. lighter days. Hope will light my way and keep me warm until then. 77 days 'til Spring!!
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