I know driving in a snowy commute sucks and -15 degrees with a 20 mph wind isn’t exactly pleasant, but, REAL cold is becoming increasingly less frequent and for shorter periods.
Minnesota was once called the American Siberia by a New York journalist in the late 1800s. Saint Paul took what was supposed to be an insult, and created the Winter Carnival. It was the ultimate way to embrace winter. It was also a way to combat a negative image.
You see, Minnesota was actively trying to recruit settlers and not many would be drawn to a ‘New Siberia.’ Truth be told, winters then were VERY cold. In the 1800s we AVERAGED anywhere from five to seven nights in the -20s (or colder). Since 1996, we’ve only reached that low point three times. Three times! In 25 years!
I know we’ve experienced some cold finally this winter season, but I challenge you to embrace it, truly, for the love of our planet. I used to moan & groan about winter too, but the more pressing & urgent climate change concerns have become, I now welcome that rare cold, as a sign of some normalcy.
If we’ve learned anything the past couple of years, any little sign of normalcy can be a comforting. Plus, Love, after all is about being uncomfortable sometimes.
We also don’t love what we don’t see & experience. So get outside, try cross country skiing, or an early morning hike when the air is still & be one with winter and nature. I think you’d be amazed at the peace & tranquility it can bring.
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