I gazed in awe through my window pane at the pink hue of the sky as I saw the snowflakes getting bigger in size. In the quiet of stillness, I could hear the wind howling with its emancipating glory. I gently pressed my forehead against the window, and breathed deeply on the glass forming mist over it impeding my vision. As the mist cleared, I saw the snow blowing everywhere. It was like a silver swirling storm. My gaze travelled down the streets past the trees and the mansions that surrounded the area. For a moment, I felt like I had travelled to the land of Narnia – the snow hugged the mansions and the trees appeared like confetti. That feeling was magical! It flickered a flame of curiosity, a longing deep within.
So, I slipped on my snow boots, and wore my wool black pea coat that keeps me cozy and warm. I tightly buttoned myself, wore my gloves, and put on my pink earmuff. I was snugged. As I was getting ready, my dog woke up from him deep slumber, and looked at me with his droopy eyes that spoke a thousand words. I kissed him gently and sent him back to his dreamland. I slipped down my building, and marched bravely towards the blizzard that was promised by the weather app.
The street was deserted, and the familiar landmark of the streets were hidden underneath the white dunes. I struggled to walk as the ferocity of the wind pushed against me and the white snowflakes whirling around me almost blinded me. Shivering, my teeth began to chatter, and I hugged myself tight to stay warm. “I wish I had gotten my thick, woolen scarf”, I thought to myself. The gust of wind felt like a whip pelting again my unguarded face and neck. I struggled to anchor myself in the moment, trying not to drift my thoughts to whether I would be able to survive or not. I squinted my eyes to improve my visibility as I walked past the park I usually take my dog out for walks. The park was covered in a thick white blanket. It was odd to visualize that it had lush green grass hidden underneath. I was beginning to feel numb. My nose started watering, and I began to breathe heavily hoping that my body circulates enough blood around my veins. I looked around to see if anyone was around. It was the break of dawn, and the morning light struggled through the murky clouds. I did not see a single soul, except some paw prints which made me feel that I was not alone. I felt my footsteps were beginning to get smaller. I decided that it was time for me to return to my “home” – warm, cozy, comfortable.
As I changed my direction back towards my home, a deep feeling sank in – gratitude. Instead of fighting the bone piercing cold, I began appreciating the fact that I have a safe, warm shelter waiting for me. As I looked around with my tired gaze, I saw the world through a different lens. The streets were a perfectly white canvas – untouched, expect my footprints which would soon be erased by the drifting snow, again making it look pristine white. That reminded me of the quote –
“Life is like a blank canvas, it is up to you how you want to paint it”
I could feel the snow dust landing gently over my eyelashes. With each stride, my snow boots were sinking in till my knees. It was difficult to imagine Spring amidst the cold, brutal snow storm. But, that is how Nature works. Isn’t? No matter how bad winter is, Spring is bound to come. Flowers bloom and birds sing again. The cold was beginning to cut through my coat, and I could feel my lips getting dry. But, in no time, I would be wrapped up in my plush velvety blanket before the fireplace sipping a hot cup of coffee. “Hope” – that’s what kept me going.
“Few more steps” – I told myself as I faintly saw my tall glass building from a distance. That gave me hope and a rush of energy to fight the angry storm and take bigger strides. Everything looked beautiful, yet so cold! I was almost there near the main entrance of my building. My feet were numb, and beginning to freeze. My exposed face seemed frosted. My lips were dry, and locked to each other.
As I closed the door behind, there was a serene silence. I looked outside from behind the glass walls and stared at the blizzard – wild, untamed and merciless, yet so breathtakingly beautiful. As I took the stairs to my apartment, I felt thankful for the warmth inside the building. I felt grateful to be born in an era of electricity which we so often take for granted. As I opened the door, my dog jumped over me and greeted me as if he saw me after years. He felt thankful that I was able to make it back home in this gruesome weather. I opened my boots, and rubbed my feet with my hands giving it some warmth and comfort.I slowly started to feel them.
I changed into my comfortable flannel pajamas, and wore my fluffy slippers. For the first time ever,
I felt how truly blessed I was for being able to have those luxuries in my life. We usually take things for granted. As I turned on the fireplace, I sat there for a while, indulging myself in the warmth that slowly spread across my body. As I made myself a cup of hot coffee, my mind raced towards the homeless people whom I often see wandering around the streets. What would they be doing right now? I pulled the couch towards the window, tucked myself with the navy blue plush velvety throw, sipped my freshly prepared hot cup of coffee and stared outside at the blizzard which had no intentions to cease. Soon, my dog snugged in, and I sat there looking outside of the window pane. There was a sense of deep gratitude – for the electricity, warm fireplace, cozy pajamas and furry slippers, closet full of expensive coats and boots, plush blanket, hot cup of coffee, cuddles with my dog, and above all – I was alive. I whispered “Thank you for everything” as I saw the sky getting brighter.
