Winter

Albert Camus, a French writer, said, “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.” This quote conveys the idea that even when the world is difficult, there is something stronger within us that can push back. In a universe indifferent to our struggles, we can still find warmth and meaning in our experiences.

I like to remember that because I, like Camus, tend to live in winter. I need to remember that within me is the warmth of summer and that I can make winter just as colorful and warm. As I have gotten older, I enjoy winter more, recognizing it as a fleeting moment in the vast expanse of time. I used to dread it, but now I see it as a part of existence, a reminder of the impermanence of all things. I particularly dreaded it in Michigan because the clouds were so grey that I felt like I lived under a perpetual shadow. Strangely enough, my winters in England were not unenjoyable. There, I liked them because it was not always grey, although it was often grey. Also, there were frequently splashes of color: the irrepressible green of the English countryside, thriving against the odds.

Writing about winter is fun. It reminds me of when I used to practice essay writing by picking a topic and writing about it. In the book I was reading about writing, it said that the most important part of making your writing interesting is including personal anecdotes and information.

My topic is winter, and I am expounding on it. I like the warmth inside during winter. I like huddling together with other people, cherishing the connections we forge in a world that can often feel isolating. I like that it’s dark outside so I can watch TV, losing myself in stories that remind me of the beauty of human creativity. In the summer, it gets dark so late that I rarely watch TV. I like the garden having a rest and beginning its new cycle, a testament to the resilience of life even in the coldest months. I like the exhilaration of the coldness on my face; it’s a reminder that I am alive in this chaotic universe. I think I like it more than I used to because I am no longer dating Evan. I did not like leaving his house in the evening and coming home when it was cold outside. Actually, Evan's house was cozy and only enjoyable inside during winter because he had no sunny seating. Yet, even in that discomfort, there was a lesson in acceptance.

I had my students write poems about all the positive aspects of winter. That was a lot of fun. The first few days of school, I did not teach from the curriculum, but I certainly did teach! In a world that often feels devoid of meaning, I find joy in the little things, like the laughter and creativity of my students.

That is all today on the topic of winter. I am sure we will circle around! Life is a series of seasons, and each one has its own beauty, even amidst the chaos.