PLOW THROUGH

The wonderful thing about fallen snow is the light it reflects. A clear blue sky, a bright sun, and snow on the ground make for some of the brightest days. Do you know how when spring comes you suddenly see all the cleaning your apartment needs because of the new light on everything, and thus, “spring cleaning” ensues? When it is done, you feel refreshed and ready for the new season. Your mental space is clearer and so is your home.

Yesterday the northeast got hit with a snow storm that, quite honestly, isn't all that it was cracked up to be. No one in NYC is shut in (thankfully) and I think we only amassed 1 foot of snow. The storm even had a name! Nemo! I didn't feed into the alarm, but I prepared myself mentally. I planned a quiet day at home being as productive as possible, baking chocolate chip cookies, sipping wine and tea. The biggest thing on my agenda was to do my taxes. But the beauty of the day kept calling me outside, telling me that I should go out and play in the snow, enjoy the sunshine, etc…

I have effectively spent this day resisting that call. I know. That doesn't sound very “JOY IN THE CITY” like. Shouldn't I free my soul and go outside and play? Shouldn't I build a snowman and listen to the laughter and shrieks of happy children as they delight in the new snow? To that I say No, no, and no. Yup. 3 no’s for 2 questions.

Here’s why. There’s something else we do with snow besides “delight in its beauty.” We plow through it! We clear it away so that it doesn't slow us down when we have more important things to do. So today, I have enjoyed the spectacular light that the snow reflects from inside. I have decided to take decisive action and take care of some things that aren't exactly fun. I decided to plow through and get things done so that relatively small unimportant things (like taxes) don’t pile up and get in my way for all of the big things, like having a clear mind and showing up fully for an audition or for a friend who needs a listening ear.

I suspect the snow will be here tomorrow too. By then I’ll be finished doing my taxes, my laundry will be done, and my apartment will be a little cleaner. And I’ll go outside and play in the snow.  I know it can be hard with so much distraction but sometimes it is worth it to just PLOW THROUGH. All the best things are on the other side.

(Besides, I’m still treating myself to desert tonight at one of my favorite spots in Brooklyn, The Chocolate Room! And maybe I’ll catch a play or a movie too!!!)