Friday, January 13, 2012

Winter Crush

We're in for a spectacular winter storm. The first half came yesterday. The rest? Yup, it's on the way today, and man, I love it.

All right. I can see everyone raising their brows and throwing a load of What the heck? in my direction. But since there's no way around it, I'll just admit it.

I LOVE WINTER.
And snow. And ice. And the fresh, clean chill of single digits on the thermometer. So, just get it over with and call me crazy (pause here so you can get all head shaking and murmurs of "oh, you poor, poor thing" out of your systems). Feel better now?

Well, all right, then. We're good to go.

My love of winter is more than just about alpine skiing, cool snow gear, and the dip in temperature. It would have to be. Otherwise, I would accept the title of Nutbar gracefully, without so much as a twitch of complaint. So, what's all this craziness about then?

For me, it's about renewal. And play. The ability to start with a clean slate and make something better or different or fun out of it. So yeah, when the snowflakes fall and a blanket of white covers everything, I'm reminded that each day starts fresh, without blemish or fault. That it brings with it its own gifts, and that it's up to each one of us to forget about yesterday and see the beauty and promise in today. Instead of seeing snow, I see the opportunity to make snowangels. Or build a snow fort. The forerunner in the Iditarod with my dog sled team? A sculpter for one of those cool Ice Hotels?

No problem. I'm all over that.

Whatever. It doesn't matter what you imagine, but it's important that you do. . .IMAGINE, DREAM, ESCAPE into a world of your own making. It's part of having fun. Of leaving the every day stressers behind--a super busy schedule, deadlines. . .whatever it means for you--putting it on the back burner if only for a little while to reconnect your with inner child. The one who just wants to play.

You want a stress buster? A healthy New Years resolution? There it is. As simple as that. . .take time to play. Explore. Hold onto yourself--the core of what makes you YOU, and no one else can touch.

Easier said than done, I know. For me, it's about slowing down long enough to play in the snow. What is it about for you?

3 comments:

  1. I love snow, but I hate being cold. My family loves to go ski, but I have to admit, I would be just as content to sit by a fire in the lodge and watch them. Great advice to do something fun. We have to take breaks or we'll burn out. I love to bargain hunt or read.

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  2. I completely agree with the sense of renewal, and the need for play -- only I find them in the summertime. LOL The pace is slower, more leisurely, and since there are more daylight hours, it feels like there is more time to do what we want to do. There's no need to rush. :)

    So, same philosophy. Just a different setting!

    Donna

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  3. Hey there! Just wanted to say that I love Fury Of Fire...was lucky to read an advance copy. You're off to a fantastic start!

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