In the Quiet of the Snow

Over the weekend, I visited my family in Michigan, and was lucky enough to encounter a beautiful snowfall.  I have missed the quiet beauty of snow this winter, although I haven't missed the shoveling, and general inconvenience of it, especially with a wiggly toddler to bundle.

While Vijay was napping, all warm and cuddly, I headed out into the serene whiteness with Honey, our family dog.  As soon as we stepped foot outside, she stopped, leaned back her head, shut her eyes, and took a deep breath, as if to savor the moment.  It was the sweetest thing...and reminded me to do the same.  Isn't it funny how much animals can teach us about interacting with our natural world?

Ever since Vijay was born, I have been running hard, maybe too hard.  Between full-time child care and part-time work (don't even ask me how that works), I am finding myself becoming more and more tired...which leads to me becoming uninspired.  In that moment, Honey reminded me that this year, I need to learn to pause, and breath deep.  Appreciate the little, fleeting moments that make up my day, and stop rushing from one thing to the next.  As our family grows, I want to slow down, and appreciate this time that we have together.  Soon- with one more added to the mix- the days will become even more hectic.  Until that time...I am practicing deep breathing, one quiet, snowy day at a time.