The unknown for me has a name: winter. I see signs of it around on the mountaintops. I feel its cold claws taking over and fighting against the warmth from my layers and heater. It sometimes cramps my ears and makes a mockery of my moisturizer. It does all this yet delays its arrival while destroying the last bits of autumn I’ve been holding on.
This is by no means my first experience of winter. To be clear, I actually like the snow (most days) but not the cold. Think of it. You’re snuggled up beside the heater drinking cocoa while looking out the window at the beautiful flakes dancing as they gently come falling to the ground already covered in dazzling white. See, that’s the image I used to get of winter when I lived in my tropical home country. Having lived through five winters, inclusive of a few ‘mild’ blizzards, I still have my rose colored view but not on most days. So why am I saying this winter is unknown?
During this last summer I moved closer to the city. It has been a different experience from living in the beautiful green mountains where every season came in abundance. Spring had lots of new leaves and flowering plants of all colors and wonderful smells. Summer had its blazing heat and long days made even more wonderful because of festivals and fireworks. Autumn had so many colors it was like living in a never-ending painting, and the fruits were so delicious. Winter came early and the snow was usually piled high on the ground. And I lived close to work.
This will be my first winter here near the city. The commute is much longer and there sometimes is a bit of delays. I’ve heard that there will not be as much snow as my in mountain home but I’ve been thinking my commute time will be longer. I’m also wondering about the level of heat that will be needed in my house and about shoveling snow. Then there is also the small matter of Christmas and what to do with it. Until the unknown becomes known, I’ll be facing life and living strong. Best wishes to anyone else facing an unknown.
Let’s talk life. 