Well, it’s another gloomy day in January, as I struggle to find any highlights to brighten my mood. I look up to the sky and the gray clouds spread thickly without any shed of light. Now mind you, I am actually one of those strange individuals that prefer gray skies over blue, and welcome the rain over sunshine. Yet, why do I feel so bummed and down? It can’t be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) because I worship the gray skies and winter days. So, then what can it be? Simply explained as any Midwestern knows, at this time of year we generally have quite a few inches of snow on the ground, with several more on the way. Could this be it? Do I have some unnamed disorder that is opposite of SAD? It surely makes sense to me. I know I’m not the only one. There are a few other comrades out there that jump for joy when we hear Winter Storm Warning, or better yet, Blizzard Warning! I so look forward to intently watching the minute by minute weather reports in hopes of that BIG storm coming my way, with school day cancellations and manic mobs rushing to the stores for staples as if the world is coming to an end.
In actuality, it isn’t the storm itself I cherish. It is the feeling that overcomes me as the powdery night approaches. I delight in the beautiful calm and silence that travels across my neighborhood. It is truly the most relaxing feeling when a snowstorm hits and there is only the brief moments of howling wind tossing the snow upon my windows. I do however welcome the occasional scrape of a snow shovel reaching pavement nearby, or the slow chug of a snowblower three doors down, or the happy giggles and cheers of the children playing next door after receiving the wondrous call that school is closed tomorrow, or most importantly, the echoing Hellos and Thank Yous heard from neighbors lending a hand where they can.
Snowstorms are strange that way. Many people complain and dread the frustrations of storms; however, it is amazing how such storms can bring compassion to the forefront and how they awaken the goodness in others. I guess that is what I am missing. I checked the weather reports for the coming weeks and the only snow in sight is just a slight dusting. My son is disappointed as well as he is waiting to sled, throw snowballs, and build that snowman that we haven’t had a chance to conquer.
Oh well. What I can say. How can I proceed to brighten this day when all I see is black colored slush in the corners of the streets, half dead looking plants begging for a white veil to brighten them, and crunchy brownish green lawns wishing for an ivory blanket to camouflage their unsightliness.
Well, I guess I can start by expressing my delight at the peaceful dainty cardinal thanking me for the fresh seed I replenished in the bird feeder, or the comforting “see you later” from my hubby as he walked out the door for work, or the chubby feral gray cat that just acknowledged me with a satisfied lip smack for the daily dish of milk and nourishment I supplied, or the warming bear hug from my son who softly expressed “I love you mama” as he shut the door to the car this morning as I dropped him off at school.
When I think of all the wonderful things that just happened to me in the last few hours of my morning, how can I not be revitalized and inspired to wash away my negative thoughts that this is just another gloomy day and beam once more remembering that there is always something good in my day. I just need to open my heart and mind to see and feel it. Hey, there will be another snow day sometime in the future, but until then, I am going to remember all of the little things that make me smile everyday. 
