Through the Thick of It

If you’ve read any of my other posts, you know I’m not a fan of old man winter. The cold, snowy weather gets me down just as much as the next person. I, like many others, experience some sort of seasonal depression.

Today, it is 80 degrees where I live. Wedged between bleak, freezing days with 35 degree weather and hail and snow, we got a sliver of warmth and sunshine. I’ve been driving around with the windows down, wearing a t-shirt, and spending every second I possibly can outside.

And it’s February.

While this pleasant surprise brings up concerns of global warming and climate change, I can appreciate a break from the blistering cold. I'll save those troubles for another day. And this one nice day breaking up the mass of harsh winter weather reminds me of some important lessons.

This one nice day reminds me of two things. The first, is that we should cherish the happy moments in tough times. When we’re going through struggles, there are bound to be some days that are better than others. On those days, it’s important we value them as much as we possibly can, hang on to them, and use them as reminders that better days are on the horizon.

That brings me to the second thing that this nice weather reminds me of. This small glimpse of spring reminds me that, eventually, these harsh winter days will end and better weather will come around. In an article for Psychology Today called “Spring Raises Your Happiness Levels,” Steve Sisgold writes, "Spring offers warmer days and lighter and longer evenings, which means we are more inclined to exercise and spend outdoor time and activities with friends.” Those activities, such as spending time outside and hanging out with friends, are important things to cherish during hard times. Since we’re more inclined to do them during spring time, we’re happier during spring. But it’s during winter that we especially need to remember to do things that make us happy.

Life has its ups and downs, but no matter what, the up is coming. Warm days wedged in the middle of winter remind me of that. This warm day is inspiring me to do things that make me happy— even in February, one of my least favorite months. The tougher days will get better with time— as everything does— but it’s so important to make the most out of every moment of happiness through the thick of it.

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