There are a lot of things I don’t like that I have learned to tolerate: split infinitives, bridesmaids dresses, my hair in humid weather, student loan payments and a number of other frustrations.
But then there are things I simply cannot take—like the cold.
Now, I understand that people from more northern parts of the country might not understand how I can call weather in the 40s “cold,” but I am from Texas. Anything below 60 degrees is fair game for being referred to as “freezing.” That’s simply reality.
I’m one of those people who likes the triple-digit temperatures, but I don’t mind some 90s or 80s as highs for the day, and I can handle it when temps drop down to the 70s. Anything below that might indicate it’s time to bust out the big coats. I don’t like having to sit in my cold car and wait for it to warm up. I don’t like having to run from my car through the parking lot to whatever my destination is so that I don’t freeze into a solid block of ice before I make it to the door. I don’t like feeling like I just dove into a pool of ice when I eat froyo when it’s cold outside (I cannot give you a logical explanation as to why I still do this, but I can’t stop). I don’t like having to change clothes when all I want to do is wear seven layers and wrap myself in four blankets. I don’t like not being able to feel certain limbs of my body after running in the ridiculous morning air. I don’t like when it snows (or whatever ice mix it is we get around here).
Yes, I am the Grinch of cold weather—except no one in Whoville is going to change my mind on this one.
However, I am trying to be more positive about it because it’s only January, and I can’t make the cold go away. (I do realize we have highs in the 60s this week, but the mornings will still be cold, and 60s aren’t really in my preferable range, as previously mentioned. Thus, I’ve compiled a list of positive aspects of cold weather.
Winter apparel—Sure, this is probably shallow, but we’re being positive here. One word: scarves. They keep you super warm and can spruce up almost any outfit. Another word: boots. If you go with ones that are knee-high or close to it, then you get another added layer of warmth. Plus, whether you care about style or not, they’re stylish. Other winter clothing bonuses include (but are not limited to) jackets, hoodies, sweats of all kinds, mittens, oversized sweaters and knee-high socks.
Fireside fun—It’s too dangerous and suffocating to build fires during the summers here in Texas, but it’s pretty toasty and pleasant to be able to sit in front of a fireplace in the winter. I don’t actually have a fireplace of my own, but I always love going to other homes or places and posting up near some crackling flames.
Racing benefits—I know I previously complained about morning runs being pretty painful, but races usually start after the sun is up, so they aren’t always as bad (though they sometimes are). However, many Texas runners know that it’s pretty challenging to run your best races here in the summer, so a lot of PRs happen in the colder months.
Cuddling—I can’t speak much to this one, but I hear it’s pretty nice. It seems like it would be more pleasant in chillier conditions.
I feel as if I’ve reached the extent of reasons why cold weather might be a good thing at times. Again, I realize I don’t experience the same type of cold many people do, as I’ve never known what it’s like to be in single-digit or worse temperatures. People who know that weather would probably have BBQs on 40-degree days.
Sometimes life is cold in more ways than one. It’s easy to get caught up in all of it and only see the negatives, but it’s important to focus on the good things to help provide a little hope. Otherwise, the result might be a cold heart.
Cold times won’t last forever—they’re just something we have to endure every once in a while. And it doesn’t have to feel as awful if we can find the warmth in its midst.
After all, snow and ice melt when the warmth overpowers them.
