Dreaming of Warmer Weather

I have a confession to make:

I’m ready for winter to be over.

That realization hit me hard the past two weeks. I’ve been dreaming of summer here lately. We had a warm spell in Alaska, and by warm, I mean in the 20s. Never in my life did I think I’d be saying 20 degrees is warm, but here I am.

Summer feels like it’s forever away because it dropped down to -20 and colder this week, and all I want is to be somewhere warm, laying on a sandy beach with the sun shining in my face. However, my reality is that when I walk outside, it is so cold that my breath turns to fog and my hair and eyelashes start freezing after being outside for more than five minutes.

I’ve accepted that it’s cold, and feet of snow will be on the ground until at least April, but I’m ready for warmer weather.

I know I am definitely struggling to embrace this winter season.

You see, the thing is, I’ve been trying to find beauty in this season of winter blues because, if I don’t, then it feels like these winter days drag on. Like the other day, I was reminded of the beauty because of the Northern Lights dancing in my backyard. I would have missed them if my roommate hadn’t noticed they were out. I could have chosen to get into my warm bed, but I decided to go outside and watch them in the -20 degree weather.

I’m glad I did, because they are breathtaking every time I see them. I’m reminded of how lucky I am to be living in Alaska—long winters and all.

So, if you’re like me, try to find the beauty in this season. It can be a challenge at times, but I promise you it’s worth it. 

Winter weather also has me wanting to press snooze on my alarm clock most mornings (please tell me I’m not the only one feeling this lately!). Usually, I get out of bed and do yoga in the morning  to get myself moving before I head to work; however, lately I’ve been pressing snooze and sleeping ’til the last minute possible.

Last week I struggled with feeling guilty for sleeping in, but I realized that’s what my body needed, so there’s no need for me or anyone to feel guilty over listening to what the body needs. Extra coffee has helped me get out of bed and get moving. As for yoga, I do that later in the day instead of struggling to get out of bed and do it first thing in the morning, and for now, that’s okay, because it’s what my body needs. 

I’ve decided that winter is a beautiful season, even though it may be a bit rough at times, and I’m doing my best to enjoy it. For the moment, I will soak up what little bit of sun we get up here, weather permitting.

As for the warm, sunny beach I will just keep dreaming of it until I can be sitting on one someday in the future.