Finding Joy and Magic in a Week of Snow

This past week in Nashville, we had snow (and ice) all week long. It started on Sunday, which was Valentine’s Day, when it was so cold and the roads were getting icy. We woke up on Monday to a layer of straight ice on the ground, and the freezing rain continued to fall that day.

Monday

It may not have been snow (yet), but H and I ventured out for a walk with Cleo in our neighborhood that afternoon, deciding to embrace this day of ice. It was lovely to explore the quiet streets and nearby park. A few children walked by with sleds.

We really enjoyed ourselves – and it was just the beginning! I received an email that school was canceled for the next day. That night, it began to actually snow.

Tuesday

We woke up the next morning to 10-degree weather (that felt like -2). It was bitter cold, but we welcomed the little snow that was on the ground, covering the ice. I found peace that morning with a refreshing yoga session, and we even took another walk that afternoon. No matter how cold it is, getting fresh air always feels good to me – both physically and mentally.

That afternoon, snow starting falling again. Since it was so cold, and the snow and ice weren’t going anywhere, school was canceled for the rest of the week. Amid this wild school year we’ve had, this surprise break felt suddenly so necessary, and I welcomed it – along with the snow – gratefully.

Wednesday

Wednesday brought more sleet and another walk that afternoon. That night was when the real magic started. Snow started to fall again – but this time, heavily and steadily. I couldn’t seem to peel my eyes away from our living room windows. The snow was everything I’d been dreaming of this winter. It was calming and hypnotizing, and truly made me feel that we were living in a snow globe. The snow didn’t stop or slow down for hours, not even when we laid down for sleep.

Thursday

The next day, we awoke to see several inches of fresh powdery white snow. It covered everything in sight.

It was the kind of snow that slows your breathing, makes you pause, and clears your mind, and that roots you in the present moment. It was comforting and inviting. I couldn’t wait to get out and play.

H and I headed for my parents’ house to fetch my toboggan from middle school in their garage. We let Cleo run around their yard, too. Soon, the snow started to fall heavily again.

In the falling snow, we joined the other sledders at Percy Warner Park for a series of rides down the hill. It was freeing and fun, and I laughed out loud each time we pushed off and sailed down.

That night, I felt so content. This was just what my spirit needed.

Friday

Friday morning, the sun was out, but the snow barely melted. In the afternoon, my mom and I enjoyed a walk at the park, bundled up, wearing our snow boots. The sun shining through the trees was warm and revitalizing.

It was, simply put, a beautiful walk.

Saturday

Yesterday, the sun shone again, and this time, the snow melted a bit more – but not completely. We took a lengthier walk through the tree-covered park, where the snow is sure to stick around a while longer.

Snow reminds me of the magic of winter. We can find beauty in this season – in the sunny days that warm us, the snowy nights that quiet us, the cold days that encourage us to stay in and reflect. And when spring comes, it will be all the more lovely.

P.S. Self-care for feeling good on cold winter days and 20 things to do on a snow day.