I loved playing in the snow as a child, especially with the promise of hot chocolate and toast when I came inside. From building snow forts to making snow angels, I have fond memories in the snow. We used to play a game of tag called “fox and geese” where we had to run in stamped out paths in the snow while not being caught by the fox. The best thing of all was bringing a snowman to life.

To this day, I still love snowmen, but as I got older, shoveling snow became my form of playing in the snow. I didn’t mind the work because it was still an opportunity to be out in the white, fluffy stuff that I enjoyed so much.

With the recent snow storm, I had ample opportunity to “play” in the snow. As I was outside shoveling, I was transported back to my childhood and these fond memories. When I had finished digging out the vehicles and clearing the sidewalks and driveway, I had such a sense of accomplishment.

A new awareness dawned on me. I have spent a significant part of my adult life believing that I was the weaker sex. Because of this belief, I often felt that I needed someone outside of myself to take care of me and handle the hard things of life. While I do believe that males and females are created differently and it is important to ask for help when one needs it, I allowed my former belief system to perpetuate my feelings of weakness and inability to care for myself.

When I emerged from my time in the snow, I felt strong and proud of the job I had done. It was so much fun to watch my dog romp through the snow and run after the snowballs I threw at her. My sense of joy, contentment, and strength warmed me from the inside out, just like when I was a child. Grateful for nature’s gentle reminders, I returned inside for a cup of my favorite hot tea.