In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. -Albert Camus

"Done" with Winter?

Are you "done" with this whole winter thing? Ready to move on to brighter days and greener pastures?

I'll be honest. This is how I've felt lately.

I live in central Illinois. (It looks kinda like the picture above... only flat... with fewer trees... a bit less snow... and wind gusts.... Otherwise they're practically identical. :)

Weather patterns in central Illinois are about as smooth as an EKG strip. Earlier in the week the weather got into the 50s. You could smell spring in the air - just enough to make you want more. And once you were inflicted with that spring fever... Bam! Bitter cold, snow, strong winds, dangerous road conditions... the whole nine yards.

Why, weather? Why???

As I left work a couple nights ago, shivering, scraping ice and snow off my car, praying not to wreck on the way home, I thought, I'm ready for this to be over.

Ready for this to be over. What a sad thought. Did I just wish a season of my life away?

What makes me think the next season will be so much better? Doesn't every season have its good and bad?

A Better Attitude

I decided I needed to change my attitude and give poor winter a break.

I won't tell you that I completely changed my outlook - that I now enjoy everything about winter. Nope, there are still things about winter I dislike, such as: shivering uncontrollably as I leave work, numb hands as I chip ice and snow from my car, and driving on icy/snowy roads.

However, the past couple nights I made a conscious effort to look for the good. And what I saw was amazing.

I took a few moments to breathe in the cool air. I took notice of the bright moon reflecting on the snow, casting a beautiful glow on everything. I appreciated how peaceful and quiet it was outside. I felt gratitude for my warm house and for my family inside it.

I'm pretty sure that at some point in the coming months, when it's hot and humid outside, when I'm sweating and swatting at mosquitoes, this image of a peaceful winter night will look pretty darn good! Perhaps I shouldn't be so quick to wish it away.

To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring. -George Santayana

Positive Thinking & Your Health

As it turns out, a positive attitude is good for your health. I found this Mayo Clinic article, which explains some of the health benefits of approaching unpleasantness in a positive and productive way. It also offers practical ways to become a more positive thinker.