I am sitting in my living room, looking out the front window, watching the snow fall. It is the 2nd substantial snow fall of the week and I.am.over.it. It's mid February and I love winter, but by this time of the year I'm done with the snow. I'm grumpy about it - ugh, this is going to slow things down tomorrow so much, I really don't even have time for..... I just finished shoveling and now ...this.
I went to bed grumpy and when my alarm went off this morning I hesitated to open my eyes dreading what would be outside the window. Now, those of you who know me know that the hesitation to open my eyes in the morning is not unique to winter or snow... but stick with me here anyway. Ugh. I reluctantly threw my feet to the floor, stood up and slumped over to the window to peek though the blinds. Freshly fallen snow. There is something about fresh snow that just covers everything in blankness. It's so peaceful, quiet and so still, like a brand new start. I just stared out the window, watching the snow fall, watching it accumulate on the side walk (the same sidewalk I was going to have to shovel later) but my body felt different about it - and my mind was quiet and calm. It was beautiful and irritating. Perspective - and I could slide it back and forth, like a glass patio door. Watch:
Shoveling, slushy roads, wet socks, cold nose, huge winter jacket...huge winter everything that I have to carry around, salt.on.everything, traffic, idiots in 4 wheel drive trucks.... irritated.
Crisp white snow flakes, silence, slippers, heated blankets, hot chocolate, my car seat warmer, slowing down, careful, pink cheeks, thoughtful neighbors who shovel past with their sidewalk stops, the snow plow dude that waited for me to cross the street before he blew past me.... calm.
Training your brain to change perspective is quite the superpower, and one that requires a lot of maintenance. But either way - it's February in Michigan, so it's going to snow.