It has been bitterly cold here in Pennsylvania. I can't remember a winter being as cold as this. Even though daylight hours are growing longer, it's easy to find an excuse not to go out unless you absolutely must.
People I speak to have been in nasty moods, saying they're "under the weather." Yesterday, as I stood outside with my two dogs, it was so cold my nose and face felt crisp and my ears were stinging. Of course, that doesn't matter to Ricky and Lucy. They have a routine to find the right spot, no matter the weather. So I wait.
But this time was different. As cold as it was, I suddenly felt invigorated, thinking about how wonderful this extreme cold really was. Then the sun broke through the clouds, and memories of summer's scorching hot days flashed through my mind. I remembered standing in the afternoon heat, sweat pouring down my brow. I had reminded myself then that in winter's cold, I would wish for this heat.
I was right.
Two extremes in my life that I normally find uncomfortable and dread. But today I was grateful for them. Without extremes, I would never appreciate the days when things are just right. Life would be boring.
It's being pushed to an extreme that makes us appreciate the middle. Health challenges remind us to pay attention to how we live. Financial extremes remind us to save during times of excess for leaner times.
So bring on the cold so I appreciate the heat more. Make me sweat on a hot summer's day so I wish for a handful of snow.
I've concluded that I too often find a reason not to be happy with my present moment—whether it's hot or cold, in good health or bad, in money or out of it. I always wanted it to be different.
But no more. I want to start finding a reason to be happy right where I am. Even if it's simply that I'm alive.
I'm tired of being "Under the Weather!"