I woke up yesterday and like much of the Midwest, a fresh snowfall had covered the neighborhood. We got about 4 inches here in Central Ohio while other friends of mine around the middle of the country got anywhere from 2-15 inches. I’m not a big fan of snow but it does look peaceful when it first falls.
Grab Your Shovel…
I thought it was a fitting metaphor for starting a new month, having the blanket of white across everything as far as you could see. Like a fresh calendar page in your planner or a clean white board ready for new entries, there is something cathartic about hitting the “reset” button every now and then.
After bundling up and putting on my LL Bean boots that I don’t get to wear too often, I grabbed my snow shovel and got to work.
With the blank slate of snow staring me in the face, I can picture the end result. When I was done there would be the cleared blacktop driveway and the sidewalks would be clear for neighbors walking by later in the day…but like everything worth doing, it’s gonna involve work.
As the temperatures were hovering right near freezing, the snow was what Northerners refer to as “perfect packing snow.” It’s very wet and going to be heavier than you expected. You’re going to need lots of energy and focus to get the job done. “Use the legs,” I kept thinking to myself so I wouldn’t hurt my back.
As I looked around the peacefully quiet neighborhood, I noticed some residents had been out early to clear their driveway and sidewalks while others hadn’t even thought about it. A few had simply driven through the snow, leaving tire tracks down the middle of the driveway, hoping the afternoon rains and rising temperatures would clear the driveway for them.
Anytime you start a new project you know there will be obstacles put in your way to test your perseverance and resolve. It’s easier to avoid anger and frustration when you expect them so when the city plow came around the corner, I knew what was coming. My completely cleared end of the driveway was soon covered with a fresh mass off snow and slush. I simply waved at the plow driver and started clearing the bottom of the driveway…for the second time.
Eventually you start to see your progress and there is more black driveway showing than there is white snow, so you keep pushing, lifting, and tossing the snow into the yard. As I’ve said before, “focus on activity, not results.”
It’s not gonna be pretty midway through the job because what was once a pristine blanket of snow is now a mixture of slush and dirty snow from the dirt and dust that was coating the driveway from the wintry weather that preceded the snow.
As you start to near the conclusion of the job, you’ll probably realize it took less time than you thought when you got started. Turns out if you simply get into a rhythm and remain consistent in your actions, you’ll start amassing little wins and eventually a clear driveway and sidewalk.
And like most tasks, chores, or jobs, it sure feels good when you’re done. Well, when I say it “feels good” I mean mentally it feels good. Physically you’re exhausted and ready for a shower or nap…or both.
So whether it’s a fresh snowfall, an empty beach, an open hiking trail in the mountains, a blank page in your journal, or a “To Do List” waiting to be created, you’ve got relationships to build, problems to solve, and fun to have.
Grab your shovel. You’ll be done before you know it.
