“Complaining Is Mouth Farting” January 9, 2015

“…..and like farting, I don’t mind hearing my own but I don’t want to hear anyone else’s.” Well now, I had to think about that when I first read it but given its logic, I’m using the unidentified quote for my blog title today. Since I’ve grown older {I’d like to think more mature & wise}, I seem to notice how much people complain. {Of course, I never do} In all seriousness, the last few days have been rather cold here in Northern Indiana and I’m most astonished by the amount of complaining I hear and read on social media each day. When you get down to it, complaining about something you cannot change {as in the weather – unless you relocate}, is a complete waste of time, energy and breath. It makes you a whiner, not a winner.

On occasion, I used to complain about the cold until we experienced some very fun visits to friends of ours who live in Northern Michigan. I noticed how well they prepare for snow and icy cold weather given they live smack dab on the shore of Lake Michigan with waves crashing into their beach of a backyard…. and I also noticed they never complain about harsh wintry days even when the Great Lake inflicts gale force winds upon them. What I observed was they dress appropriately for cold weather with proper footwear, heavy coats, gloves and the proper accouterments. It’s a rather obvious step to take but it’s staggering when you pause and take notice of just how many people are out in sub-zero weather conditions donning slippers, high heels, meager jackets meant for Autumn, low cut blouses, and short sleeves not to mention absent of any gloves, hats, ear muffs or scarves. Then, the next thing you’ll notice is the vast majority of them are those persons guilty of ridiculing the Polar weather.

It’s rather misfortunate on the parts of those who choose to gape, open-mouthed and spew their venom at Mother Nature’s launch of Artic weather in January when they live above latitude 40. The older you become, the more you ‘should’ realize just how much is out of our realm of control and how it serves one much better to find the fun – simply groove right along with Snow Miser. Remember him? Remember the song?

Last year, in January, I went outside by myself to build a snowman! (photo above) What a grand time! Just me, the dog, and mother nature. It was my reminder to self that I never want to lose my child-like ability to play. I buttoned up – and buttoned Mr. Snowman too! It’s all about perspective…. as you take a breath right now, another person takes their last. So why waste time complaining about those things which we cannot control? I say, go jump in…. make a snow angel, build a snowman with the one you love, take a walk in a snow-filled woods and ponder the beauty that each snowflake collectively makes with all the others. It’s wondrous, it’s magical…. you need only stand still to allow a winter scene to seduce you with it’s beguiling enchantment.

I promise it will take your breath away… that is, if you haven’t already lost it complaining about this cold, snowy, wintry weather.

Author Details

Tammy

How to describe oneself is not an easy task despite the fact I often hear I have a penchant for writing. To try and encapsulate myself into a few sentences is challenging at best since I am filled with a heart for constant curiosity and the desire to keep learning. I take great delight in most all outdoor activities... especially those which involve hiking or being around the water. Camping in our pop-up or in a tent is always an invitation to discovery which I cannot turn down. A 'memory collector' is how I'd label myself, largely because I have this unending zest for life... I don't want to miss a thing! I love surprises, love to laugh and I get the biggest kick out of being married. I adore animals and my favorite happens to be a precious Golden Doodle named Zoe who came into my life as my 40th birthday present and has been the biggest gift that keeps on giving!! Sunflowers make me instantly smile and traveling makes my heart pound with excitement. Fortunate and very blessed to have traveled many places, my all-time favorite is the land of my ancestors, Ireland. Ireland calls me by name and beckons me to exploration like no other place I've been. And speaking of that, researching my ancestry has been a fun endeavor which often takes me down rabbit hole after rabbit hole as I seek to unveil mysteries of the past. Hanging out or traveling with friends is another area which I derive great joy from... and purposely nurturing friendships through cooking meals, entertaining or planning events gets my creative juices flowing. Once again.... it's that making memories thing! Beyond that, I could list a thousand things I find interesting, stimulating and feel so blessed to experience, indulge or simply wish for the day I get to investigate with a feverish glee. That's me!

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