Thoughts Along the Path . . .

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I looked out the window last evening and saw the glistening snow, our first snowfall of the year. Frankly I wasn’t sure if I wanted to say “yay” or “yikes” or “yuck.” What about you? Here are some of the thoughts swirling through my own mind.

YAY: Fresh snow is beautiful, especially if the day is sparkly-sunny. Unfinished gardening projects are hidden, no longer nagging for attention. With snowfall and our recent cold weather I am hopeful for outdoor ice skating, local skiing, and snowshoeing in the conservation areas. I like hearing the crunch under my boots as I walk around town, and I am happy to live in a quiet neighbourhood with children playing in the snow. In Piper’s Glen I will see cold-weather birds and winter berries. With fewer hours of daylight, an after-supper walk will bring the silence and awe of the night. Wearing my down jacket and thick mittens I feel cozy-warm, grateful for my comfort. The sound of snowplows in the morning are a reminder of the orderly society in which I live. What are your reasons that bring a “yay” with the first snow of the season?

YIKES: I am shocked that this has happened already, that suddenly the transition season to winter is over. Where did the time go? Why didn’t I finish cleaning up the yard and bringing more plants inside to over-winter? What about the outings I had hoped to do while the weather was warm? Perhaps most importantly, where did the time go? Whoosh – it flew by again. I must be more mindful of time passing this winter. Every day is precious. I want to be smarter about how I spend my time, find the balance between getting-things-done and enjoying the moment. What are your thoughts about managing your time through all seasons of the year?

YUCK: All of the romanticism about winter and snow aside, I admit that it’s cold out there. I’m a cold-blooded creature, I don’t even eat ice cream. Maybe it is pretty now, but soon it will be slushy, dirty, and freeze. I have special shoes for winter walking and running, but I still need to dodge cars and icy patches. I try to avoid unnecessary driving and I do have high-quality snow tires, but it will take longer to get from here-to-there. Risks of distracted drivers sliding into me are higher this time of the year. Are there aspects of winter and snow that bother you? Are they strong enough to have you think negatively about winter?

IN BALANCE: With climate change the largest issue of our time, I yearn for winters of the past. Snowy days, playtime in the snow, outdoor fun, sparkly days, cold weather with the promise of spring still some time away. If that’s the sort of winter we are about to have, I’m all for it.

Also here’s a tip for all of us, whether we tend toward “yay” or “yikes” or “yuck.” In the words of Abdul-Baha in the Baha’is writings: “If we are not happy and joyous at this season, for what other season shall we wait and for what other time shall we look?” Therein lies the balance.

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Submitted to Ayr News by Jaellayna Palmer, December 2024