As a kid, a snow day was a cause for celebration. The world feels quiet and magical. Responsibilities of school are gone for a day. Even though for me, as a child, cold sharp air meant more asthma troubles, snow days were still full of the fun of: sledding, snowball fights, igloos, and more. But, then we grow up…we get busy. Suddenly, snow days aren’t fun anymore. Now they mean driving in dangerous conditions, high heat bills, and just the same busy life of every other day.
I’ve been guilty of the same for years. Never taking a break until my body crashes and forces it. Making it a point of pride that I can be the MOST productive. The only way I could see that I added value was with my works. Why would people want me around if I was of ‘no use’ to them? I took all the motivational sayings to heart.
A good friend is ALWAYS there for you.
Don’t dream for success, work for it.
Always give your all, 110%.
The best never rest
What’s the problem with this and what does it have to do with snow? Well, I was so busy trying to be perfect….the perfect friend, the perfect worker, the perfect mom, the perfect citizen…that I forgot to just BE. I was so busy making goals and ‘crushing them’ I forgot to be happy with the present.
So now, when it’s a day of fresh snow, especially if it’s a weekend day of fresh snow, my whole household knows that means a day of rest. We live present in the moment. We don’t feel guilty about taking a break from being productive. We savor the quiet that snow brings and we rest. Rest is so hard for me, but I’m getting better. My house needs cleaning…but still I rest. I have work on the farmhouse…but still I rest. I have PLENTLY of work I could do, but life isn’t all about work. Sometimes, life is just about the miracle of being. I’m learning to let that be enough for me.
Intentionally Rural 