I hate being cold. In fact, I go to great lengths to avoid feeling cold. Seriously, my husband and I battle in the summer because I think 78 degrees is the perfect temperature for the house. Apparently, I am alone on this one. No one ever seems to agree with me. So, when we decided to spend our winter in New Hampshire to be closer to our son at prep school, I was terrified. I even Googled, “How to survive New Hampshire in the winter when you hate the snow?” I spent hours scrolling through forums, reading survival guides, and watching YouTube shorts of people building igloos, all of which only deepened my anxieties.
One thing became clear: I would eventually have to go outside. People who live here seem to embrace the snow. They walk their dogs, go for runs, and even have picnics in the park – all while freezing cold outside! Some—do I dare say—actually LOVE it. They talk about the “crisp air” and the “winter wonderland” with a twinkle in their eyes. This is still a mystery to me but I digress. I told myself that I would at least try to understand their enthusiasm, even if I couldn’t share it.
I won’t lie—I resisted at first. I layered up like I was preparing for an Arctic expedition just to walk to the car. I’d wear bulky wool socks, a scarf, and a hat that practically covered my entire face. I’d watch the snow falling outside my window, a beautiful but daunting sight, and I’d long for the warm, dry air of the western United States where I grew up. But eventually, I gave in and decided to embrace the inevitable. So, I went snowshoeing.
And you know what? I didn’t hate it. In fact, I had fun. I discovered a quiet beauty in the snow-covered landscape, a stillness that was both calming and invigorating. I’m even planning to buy snowshoes for next winter and make it part of my weekly routine. I’ve also found someone who’s going to take me cross-country skiing to see if I like that too. I’m starting to understand how the locals view the beauty of the winter landscape.
Don’t get me wrong—I’m still not writing love letters to winter. I still miss the sunshine, the warmth, and the vibrant energy of Las Vegas. But I will admit, there’s something about stepping outside, breathing in the crisp air, and experiencing the world in a way I never had before. It reminded me that sometimes, the things we avoid most can teach us the biggest lessons— in this case, that I could adapt to new environments, shift my perspective, and find joy in unexpected places.
So, whether it’s trying a new hobby, traveling somewhere unfamiliar, or simply stepping outside when you’d rather stay in, push yourself beyond what’s comfortable. Challenge your preconceived notions and allow yourself to be surprised. You may not fall in love with it, but you just might surprise yourself. You might even find a new passion, a hidden talent, or a deeper appreciation for the world around you. And if nothing else, at least you’ll have a good story to tell.
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