Love to see the snow

I arrived back in Canada after attending meetings all week in Mexico. Going from plus 31 to minus 27 is quite a stretch. The best part of coming back rested is having a positive and upbeat attitude. There is so much poverty in other countries and to arrive in New Brunswick and not witness it on every other corner is a far cry from where we were. There were kids, that could not be older than 5, panhandling at 11:00 at night. My new goal for the coming week is to try and start each day with a short pause to think about all that I am thankful for.

On the flight home, I gave thought to all the teachers who made a difference in my life. Then I thought about all my coaches who I tortured. These poor volunteers must have gone home some nights and downed a few quarts on my behalf. Then there were all the neighbors who fed me, carted me to who knows where and looked out for all of the dozens of roaming kids. Finally, I think of those friends both past and present, living and deceased, who we shared laughter, tears, joy, sorrow, in good times and in troubles. These are the things that make me rich.

These are the things that allow you to persevere and work some days with a silly grin. People think that you are a little bit simple and perhaps they are right, but they cannot remove this peaceful easy feeling that good memories create. The best part is that there is ample opportunity to create more of these. You just have to see things for what they are. Beautiful in their own special way. Kinda like the snow. Pure and white and symbolic of new beginnings. Just like every new day that arrives, whether we smile or frown. 

The past has many lessons and life is a great teacher. We cannot dwell on the mistakes but we can marvel at our ability to learn and adapt. Enjoy the seasons of your life. Winter makes the summer seem extra special when it arrives. So dust off the skis or the snowshoes and enjoy today. It will be gone soon enough.