So Grateful

Somehow, I ended up spending the winter in Boston this year. It was mostly a case of not really paying attention and then, a little inertia set in. I had my sweet, "go-to" apartment right near the hospitals and I hadn't been living in the city since last spring and both my sons were nearby and, and, and ... next thing I knew, I had made a commitment to stay.

It wasn't too bad, storm-wise, at first. I'm from this area so snow and cold was inconvenient, but to be expected. That's what happens from December through February. March is when we New Englanders start to get hopeful that the signs of spring are going to appear.

Mother Nature has a twisted sense of humor and we have been slammed with blizzards and nor'easters this month! It was so bad this week, at the urging of Boston's mayor, I ended up calling the police department to drive me to and from work. All doctors and nurses were encouraged to get a ride from Boston's finest.

Part of me was all in to strike up a super whine fest (if I hadn't been working, it could have been a wine & whine fest) except that I just couldn't see the point. I hate feeling miserable and complaining does not help me feel better. I wasn't always like this. I could bitch and moan with the best of them and I always had an eager audience to both listen and join me in my despair. Now, my desire to feel as good as I can, whenever possible, helps me make different choices. Here are some of my "new" views on staying in Boston for the winter:

I'm already making plans to be somewhere warmer next winter! It helped me get more focused and proactive about what I want.
I can look at shoveling as a great way to get some outdoor exercise!
It's been great being near my two sons for several months!
Having some snow days, hunkering down, feels like "found" time!
I got to take care of my son's cat for a few extra days since he couldn't come get her when planned! It was so sweet to have a fur ball around for company.
Riding to work at the hospital with some very nice cops, in a police car (up front) was a blast!
I have a huge appreciation for my warm, cozy apartment!
It's been fun (and, good for me) walking to places that are fairly nearby, but where I might have driven if I didn't care if I lost my golden parking space!
I am over the moon when I get that coveted, aforementioned, spot for my car!
The snow is beautiful and even though we've been walloped with almost two feet and several storms in a row, since it's March, it melts and disappears faster!

What's really interesting is that I've observed that people just like to join in. If I start complaining, I can lead the pack in bellyaching and get everyone in a tizzy. On the other hand, if I get excited about riding in a cruiser with a handsome man in blue and especially if I find the humor in it, everyone tags along. The bottom line is that as long as I make room for gratitude and focus on all the good around me (and, trust me, there is always some yum if we look for it), I just don't have the time or energy for complaining. This is what I wish for you.