June 14th, 2015
This year is almost over! We are half way through 2015 and I am reflecting on the past six months.
Winter and Cold Winds
Winter has always meant cold to me. Windy, bone chilling cold.
Forget the advice of layering to stay warm. You can only put on so many clothes before you restrict movement. Just watch a toddler bundled up in a snow suit. We've all laughed or giggled when seeing that cute two year old staggering around and maybe even toppling, his fall being softened by a powdery drift. And then there's the struggle to get back up without being able to bend his knees or elbows so he just sort of rolls around.
Are you picturing it? Didn't you at least smile?
An Arctic Blast of 25-30mph sustained north winds, barreling across two miles of open water is bone chilling cold. The lack of resistance tends to cause an increase in the wind's speed and strength.
Forget about the water moderating the surrounding temperatures. That wind is whizzing along over the bay too quickly to pick up any warmth coming off that water.
You walk outside and it hits you in the face. Bone chilling, cold wind. Piercing through your skin then numbing it.
That's when I want to bundle up in a warm, insulating winter suit --- and not go outside again until spring.
Seriously.
No.really. That's how I feel in the winter. A Winter Hermit not wanting to come out from under the covers.
For some people cold is painful both physically and mentally. Physical ailments can include back pain from shivering and joint stiffness and pain. Mental ailments include depression and frustration.
Do you experience winter as bone chilling cold and a painful season?
Was this past winter any different for you than past winters?
For me this past winter was as cold as ever. It was as windy as ever. But it was different. It was painful but different. There was grief, frustration and depression. But it wasn't the same as past winters. The desire to bundle up in bed for months was overpowered by blessings and gratitude.
An attitude of gratitude DOES make a difference. It made a difference this winter.
This past winter brought love, encouragement, validation, and opportunities into my life and I am very grateful.
And now it's spring. It's almost summer. It's warm. It is even getting downright hot!
The cold floor on my bare feet is refreshing instead of chilling.
And I, for one, am grateful for that.
