A bad case of spring fever…or Another lesson on letting go of what I can’t control
This is the view from my front porch security camera this week.
This is what I want it to look like.
I have a bad case of spring fever. I just want to get out and enjoy Mother Nature, but she isn’t cooperating. And since I have begrudgingly accepted the fact that I can’t control the weather, I must turn my attention to the things I can control. That would be my actions and my attitude.
Actions
So, what actions could I take to improve my current relationship with Mother Nature?
- Option 1: I could take up a winter sport in hopes of finding the snow and cold more enjoyable. After all, Utah is known for the “greatest snow on earth.” But let’s be honest, between my dislike for being cold and my inability to remain upright on a slick surface, taking up a winter sport isn’t going to happen for me. And certainly not this late in the season, when my heart has already irretrievably turned to spring.
- Option 2: Spend the winter in our Southern Utah home, where although they are also having a cooler than normal winter, it is not so miserable that a warm weather person like me couldn’t put on a coat and head into the great outdoors. Unfortunately, going there has not been an option for us this month, as my husband is recuperating from hand surgery.
- Option 3: Stare longingly out the window at the blue sky, let the sun warm my face through the glass, and shift my focus to improving my attitude. This I can do.
Attitude
While my options for taking action are somewhat restricted, there is plenty of room for attitude improvement.
When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.”
~Kristin Armstrong
Perhaps it is time to look at the positives of this winter:
- Utah is several years into a drought, and we desperately need the water that is contained in the abundant snow we have received this year.
- The numerous storms have kept the usual winter inversions to a minimum, vastly improving our air quality and the views.
- I have a comfortable, warm home in which to shelter. Bonus: the money we spent replacing our heating system this year is being put to good use.
- I am retired, so while I did have to reschedule a couple of appointments, there were no urgent responsibilities forcing me out on the treacherous roads.
- The snowplow operators did their job clearing the roads, and our neighbors kindly cleared our walks and driveway, so I was free to roam after that first stormy day.
- My husband has been given the green light from his surgeon to head south in March, so I have that to look forward to…assuming Mother Nature doesn’t interfere with our travel plans. If she does, I will be back to learning this lesson all over again.
Your turn
- What is the weather like where you live?
- Do you enjoy winter?
- If you are currently struggling with something, is there anything about your situation for which you can be grateful?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love to hear from you.
What to do, what to do, eh? I sympathize.
What is the weather like where you live? Bleak, gray, uninspiring
Do you enjoy winter? Yes, the early part when we have snow and crisp days with blue skies
If you are currently struggling with something, is there anything about your situation for which you can be grateful? I am grateful that it has given me blog fodder for a post later this week.
It sounds like we are on the same page weather-wise. If winter lasted a month or so, I would love it! Here’s to blue skies and warmer weather soon!
Dear Christie, I sincerely wish I could send you a bucket of sunshine. We’ve got plenty to spare right now. It is 86 degrees and not a cloud in the sky today. Nice beach day. There have been a lot of those lately and our little town is bursting with tourists.
I was shocked to know that you don’t ski. You do realize you live in the snow capital of the world and kids ski before they walk there.
I don’t like winter, but I like visiting snowy places. When I get blue, I visit the ocean and count my blessings. Everything is always better there.
Thank you Suzanne. Just knowing that you would share your sunshine if you could makes me feel warmer inside. People are always surprised to hear that I don’t ski. My parents weren’t athletic, and money was tight, so it wasn’t something I grew up with. As an adult, I just never had the desire. Crazy, huh, considering where I live. And I agree 100% that everything is better when your near the ocean.
Hi, Christie – I can completely relate. Although our Vancouver Island winters are relatively mild (compared to the rest of Canada), we had more snow than usual this year. We’ve just had a very unseasonal huge dump of this white stuff. I was okay with snow in December but I am now completely over it. My ray of sunshine is that I know that this bad weather will end soon and our Island remains a wonderful place to be.
We have similar feelings about snow, Donna. It belongs in the early winter…not when I’m longing for spring. We are tentatively planning a trip to Vancouver Island this summer. I’ve never been to Canada and can’t wait to see your beautiful part of the world!
Hi, Christie – That is super exciting that you are tentatively planning a trip out this way. Please keep me posted. I would love to meet up!
I would love that too. I will let you know when we finalize our plans.
Hi Christie – well…….here is Western Australia it’s been 30°C++ all week. Hot and dry – but with a bit of a morning and evening breeze. I’m very grateful for our airconditioning (as you are for your heating). You have Spring to look forward to and we’re heading into Autumn and then a cool, wet Winter. As much as the snow would be annoying for those who have to live with it, I always love seeing the photos other bloggers post because it’s so surreal for me (who’s never really seen snow at all). Enjoy being retired and not having to go to work in the cold and slippery-ness each day. The sun will be shining again soon. x
Right now, 30C with a slight breeze sounds lovely, but you are correct, we are at the tail-end of winter here, and I have spring to look forward to. I can imagine that snow would be intriguing…a little magical even…for those who do not live with it. To be honest, I am still amazed by the beauty of fresh fallen snow, if I don’t have to drive in it and it’s not so late in the season, when I’m a bit weary of the cold and wet. And as you said, the sun will be shining again before we know it!
We’ve been having colder than normal temps here in SoCal, and more rain then we’ve seen in a while. I say, “Bring it on!” Like your area, we are in a prolonged drought and we need all the moisture we can get. I saw a picture of a guy sitting on the roof of his Porsche after getting stuck when he tried to drive through a flooded area. I imagine he wasn’t as pleased with the rain 🙂 but, ummm… duh. I’m looking forward to spring also and I know this rain we are having will make the flowers even more beautiful!
I saw that picture of the Porsche, Janis, and I have to agree with you. Pouring rain is not Porsche weather. I also keep reminding myself that all this precipitation will make the coming seasons that much more enjoyable!
The snow won’t be as deep or cold as yours but here in North Yorkshire, UK, we’ve been given a weather alert for the return of wintry weather – just when it looked as though the daffodils would be bursting into colour within the week.
I feel for you, Caree. Those late storms that come through once spring has teased you are the hardest. I hope the daffodils make their appearance soon!
You have some really good points about why we can be thankful for the snow. Thanks!
I do like winter, but only in December. I would have been thrilled with this around Christmas. 😂
I agree, Cindy! Snow is for the holidays in my book!
I’ve been really trying to focus on gratitude… it’s been a tough winter. Not weather-wise, but in other ways. Weather – winter is wonderful here. Sunny, warm & breezy days. Our only issue has been the beginning of the red-tide algae bloom. It’s usually in warm (hot) summer months but has already started this year. Does not bode well for outdoor activities this spring & summer. I need to start thinking what on-line classes might I be taking!
I hope this spring brings you some peace, Pat…and not too much red-tide algae bloom.