One week ago, we were hit by the first major snow storm of the season in Northern Colorado, and it was a whopper. I’m talking 40 mph winds, inches of snow accumulating and falling heavy all night. It was intense. It started around 7pm Saturday evening, but what made it so incredible was that the entire day before the storm hit was gorgeous; 65 degrees and a cloudless blue sky. Smokin’ hot in the Colorado sun. If you’ve ever been here, you know the intensity of the sun at this altitude. Shorts and flip-flops were totally appropriate. The change was quick and dramatic. These kinds of storms are not unusual this time of year, but what was unusual was the voracity of the storm. The sky clouded up, the wind howled, it was complete chaos. People were running for cover to and from their homes and cars. There wasn’t much warning, it just descended upon us.
As I sat in awe of the intensity, I began pondering how quickly things can turn. “Blink of an eye.” Not to get all “Oprah” on you but, it’s very much like life. One minute you’re calm, peaceful, warm. The next, cold, unable to see, and hanging on for dear life.
Navigating Transitions.
MANY of us struggle with transitions; especially the unexpected ones. We feel unprepared and scared. How many times has your life taken an unexpected turn and you’re sitting there in the blizzard going “WTF? How did this happen?” For me, it’s been many, many times. I kind of hate transitions. I fight them. I don’t do well being unprepared both for the weather or life. I never feel like I have enough “stuff” to ride it out. So, I try to pack my parkas and hat in my bag for the weather and pack my “life bag” (it’s cute and pink, you should get one) with family, friends, and an open mind.
But, here’s the thing about that massive snow storm last week; it was temporary. I woke up the next day to the sun shining and clean, white snow covering the ground, trees and everything in between. It was beautiful, and quiet. A changed landscape. It’s a solid reminder that even when things seem at their worst; it’s cold, windy, you’re feeling completely unprepared. But, if you hang on the sun comes back out. It might take a day, it might take a week or a month. Your world may look completely different, but it also might just look even better. You may even see things you never knew were there.
Hang on, see the beauty in the storm AND its aftermath. I’ll be right there in my parka, hat and boots; holding it down with you.
photo: © Colorado State University
The Mother Mind 