The leaves have all fallen, and the days are short. It’s mid-December now, and we are awaiting snow. We’ve been fortunate to have an extended Autumn with warm temperatures, but we know things will change soon.
I don’t care for cold weather. How’s that for an understatement? I was born and raised in Maine, but I have always imagined that I was left on my parents’ doorstep by some Tahitians who were passing through. I have never been able to tolerate the cold, and so I stay indoors most of the Winter. This fact has been a sore spot for years. One of my friends once told me not to take the weather so personally,for, after all, it happens to everyone. Yet, I have groused and grimaced and struggled my way through many New England Winters.
This year it is time for a Change. I think I might have finally matured enough to look at this seasonal glass as half-full. No, I still won’t be out skiing or skating; but, I know that the only thing I can do about the weather is change my attitude. I am beginning to see each day as an opportunity for growth and another chance to do something to enhance my experience of Life and the lives of those around me. I want to be really present and conscious of my days; I don’t want to wish them away anymore.
Maybe this wisdom only comes with age. Perhaps as we see the number of days dwindling we finally get the meaning of carpe diem. Maybe after we lose friends and relatives we see that this gift of Life is too precious to squander.
So, this Winter I am going to continue to write, sing, cook, craft, and sew my way through the Season. I will turn up the heat and layer on the thermals. I will take photographs of the natural changes outside and remember that all of this is beautiful, despite the temperatures.
The only thing I can change is my attitude. So, bundle up….cause Baby It’s Cold Outside!
BarbaraBeardsley.com 