The dark days of winter are fierce here in Minnesota. A little over a week ago, temperatures were above freezing with the snow melting rapidly. A day later, the temperature dropped over 40 degrees. And since then, we’ve been in the now infamous polar vortex.
Life can feel like this weather. Fluctuating rapidly. Comfortable one day; damn near unbearable the next. Without the ability to feel the deep, universal pulse within yourself, and all around, these changes will burn you in one way or another.
When our personal polar vortexes come, they offer an opportunity, however unpleasant a one it might be. Whatever it is – a lost job, a break up, a death in the family – we always have a choice in how we react. We can feel depressed, or sad, or angry without believing we’re broken and hopeless. We can take in the loss without believing that it makes us a lesser person somehow.
Wanting a happy life is totally fine. Cultivating joy and gratitude in whatever small and great ways you can is recommended.
Yet, truly living this life means embracing it all. Letting everything flow through you. Not saying yes to what looks good, and saying no to what feels broken or scares the hell out of you.
Even the freezing cold. The tears dripping from your eyes and freezing on your face. The sun disappearing at 5 p.m., sending the subzero temperatures lower.
This, too, is you. For today. Tomorrow it will be gone.
Photo Credit:
Niagara Falls frozen during Polar Votex via Reuters
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