Why Snow is like a Good Friend
Posted on 11. Dec, 2008 by Laura-Jane - Whimfield in Inspirations, Outdoors
I love snow.
I can’t help but love snow because it covers everything with such a perfect white blanket.
When covered in snow, our yard transforms from unkempt and overgrown to pristine and well-manicured.
When I look at our yard covered in snow, I see it at its best. All imperfections fade into the background and all I can see is the good.
This characteristic of snow reminds me of characteristics particular to good friends.
There are Those Who Bring You Down
We’ve all had friends, family members, co-workers, or people in our lives who end up making us feel insignificant, inferior, boring, unattractive, worthless, unimportant, unintelligent, and all those other feelings that feel negative. They look at us as though our imperfections are shining through and that’s all they can see.
There are Those Who Bring You Up
But hopefully you’ve also experienced what it’s like to have someone make you feel significant, interesting, likable, lovable, unique, special, smart, and all those other feelings that feel so good. They see us through a blanket of snow and focus on the wonderful, likable parts that are within us all.
Whoever it was, they looked at you and saw your potential. What you could be. What made you wonderful. They “got” you. They recognized your best qualities. They recognized what a jewel you are.
I’ve been lucky enough to experience this feeling from a few people in my life, and boy does it ever feel good.
Turning the Tables: Being One or the Other
In my own life, I strive to be someone who brings people up rather than be someone who brings people down. I strive to recognize the best qualities in others rather than focus on the negatives.
That being said, I am not perfect! I strive to do this; but I’m the first to admit that I don’t always succeed. But my intentions are good!
A couple of years ago I read Mitch Albom’s super-popular book Tuesdays With Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lessons. Although the book didn’t particularly resonate with me as much as I thought it would, I do remember one passage that has stuck with me and probably will for years to come.
In the book, Morrie told a story about a man who gave everyone he spoke with his full, undivided attention. No matter who the man met, he would search for something to genuinely like, appreciate, or admire about the other person–no matter what the person’s background. The man believed that if you look hard enough, there’s common ground and something to like in every person who walks this planet. To me, this reminds me of looking at others through a blanket of snow.
Imperfections fade into the background and it’s easier to see the good.
So yes, I love snow. It makes me happy. (Except when it comes to our driveway, of course.)
Nicole
Dec 11th, 2008
here’s my good comment about snow: it’s exactly where I enjoy seeing it most — in pictures! (Which yours are gorgeous by the way.) :-)
kim
Dec 11th, 2008
Another resonating post, Laura-Jane. I try to be a ‘look for the good’ person, but I fail miserably and often. Maybe if I try your metaphor, I will have a chance at succeeding.
Never stop writing. You have a wonderful perspective.
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Dec 11th, 2008
@ Kim – Thank you for your kind words! I talk the talk but I’m not sure if I walk the walk. :)
Beverley
Dec 12th, 2008
Laura-Jane, this is pure joy. You have no idea how your message helped me on this particular day. I have been struggling for some time now working with someone who’s bringing me down. I finally had the courage to do something about it and things will be changing. You are a shining light in this big world. I miss you.
Gary Gray
Dec 12th, 2008
@Laura-Jane In the brief time that I have known you I have gotten the distinct feeling that you are a glass half full rather than a glass half empty person.
You do wordsmith in a very positive way and your pictures are full of positive awesomeness. (love the wagon wheel in the snow) btw what is that trailing behind Cam in the last picture? Or am I just seeing things.
Thought you might like this video by Zig Ziglar.
http://physicaltherapyexercises.blogspot.com/2008/12/change-your-attitude-and-you-change.html
Smiles:o)
Gary
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Dec 12th, 2008
@Gary – You are staying up way too late! I know this because it’s 2:53am and I’m awake too! :)
I don’t think we can help it though. Either you’re a night owl or you’re not.
mom Marjorie
Dec 12th, 2008
Very delicate filigree of beauty. By the way, Laura-Jane, remember at our trailer at Mount Washington in the 1990’s when we would have 5 or 6 feet of new snow by morning!?!
By the way, I see that ‘mark’ trailing behind Cam in the last picture too! It seems to be covering his right bottom leg! It looks like a little white dog!
vicki
Dec 12th, 2008
How beautiful!! Is that the neighbours’ dog in the last pic?
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Dec 12th, 2008
Yes, it is the neighbours’ dog. She doesn’t come over often, but if we’re outside for a long time she like to investigate on occasion. She’s a super sweet dog.
warren
Dec 12th, 2008
I am with Nicole…I prefer other peoples’ snow and their pictures of said white stuff!
I envy your insulation. All of your pics of th ehouse show a thick coat of snow on top which is great news for you!
Kim
Dec 12th, 2008
Love the wagon-wheel picture. You really have an eye for taking unique photographs!