Snow Gratitude

As a single mom who lost power for most of 2 days and nights in the last freaky blizzard, a new business owner, and someone who thinks the best weather months in Charlottesville are July and August, this snow has challenged me on all fronts: physically, emotionally, financially.
As someone who offers to others the idea of choosing happiness no matter what as a spiritual practice, this weather has challenged me to practice what I preach.
In that spirit, I wrote a Snow Gratitude list, acknowledging the many wonderful gifts the snow has brought me. If you want, write your own list and post it as a comment below. I’ll post them anonymously on the website and we’ll collectively send a big “YES” of appreciation out to the Universe.
In no particular order except for the first one:
Spending time hanging out with and enjoying my kids. Nowhere to go, no schedules to keep means more time simply being together.
Heat, Electricity and Running Water.
The Dominion Power Crews who worked hard to restore power in what must have been very cold and uncomfortable circumstances.
Baking Bread, Pie, Cookies and other treats that make us happy and create good kitchen smells.
My neighbor who, without saying anything, started digging away at the snowplow wall of ice blocking my driveway. Another neighbor who I barely know, and her brother with the snowblower. She sent him over twice to help me dig out because she knew I live alone and could use the help.
My friends who had me over to spend the night when my house got cold.
The Wii the kids got for Christmas and my friend who helped me get it. Families spending lots of time indoors need something to do.
Zach, and the Ashtanga Yoga Classes at ACAC, for helping me build muscles and core strength that came in handy digging out snow and ice.
Ibuprofin, because “gym muscles” are slightly different than ones used in physical labor.
Reiki, which helped me relax and reduce my stress.
My cell phone with internet access, so I could stay in touch even without power.
Finding my lost earring because I finally had time to do a thorough house cleaning.
My friend who fixed my fireplace this fall, and the intuitive who suggested during a reading that I really needed to get that done.
Doritos.
My children’s essential good nature and sense of adventure that meant even living in the cold and dark was a playful, fun event.
Lost. I can’t decide if this show is brilliant or ridiculous, but the season premiere gave a nice distraction.
My friends. Good books. Getting extra sleep and rest.
I’m sure there is more, but this a start. Post your list to be anonymously included on my website