This city, it is such a charmer!
I’m not even mad that we are a week into March and there is still snow on the ground. All it takes is just a few minutes of sunshine and I forget all about those gloomy days.
Now that I am coming out on the other side of my third winter in Iceland I have to pat myself on the back, I feel like I handled this winter quite well. Last year at this time I was throwing a mini tantrum each morning as I pulled on my layers. In my mind it just wasn’t fair that I was having to layer up while my sisters were sending me pictures of their new spring dresses. When you grow up on the west coast you really have no idea what winter is!
This year though, I was prepared.
I now know not to expect spring in March like I was used to. And for some reason just knowing not to expect spring until April/May has made dealing with the non-existent spring so much easier. Funny how much can change when you change your mental outlook on life! No longer am I expecting to wake up to a warm sunny spring day just to be disappointed by the fresh snow out my window. Instead I wake up expecting to see the snow, and just keep my fingers crossed that a bit of sunshine makes an appearance.
And this weekend, there was a sign of hope, snow and all, there was a touch of spring in the air, the Icelandic version of spring that is.
Okay, like I said, this is my third winter in Iceland, I know we most likely still have a good month (most likely longer) of winter weather. But, the days are getting longer, there is only a dusting of snow in the yard compared to the several inches we have had all winter, and I swear I heard birds chirping away outside my window this morning.
As we inch closer to the days of the midnight sun I keep thinking to myself….
I survived my third winter!
I know, this sounds silly to say that I survived the winter, I mean it is not like I was out in the wilderness fending for myself in those snow storms. But after a difficult two winters and a major case of cabin fever last winter I feel like I entered my third winter expecting the worst and wasn’t really sure how I would make it through another winter. And yet here I am at the end of winter and I think I have finally found the beauty in the long arctic winter.
So what changed this year?
For one it helped that there weren’t as many storms and I was able to get outside and explore without the fear of being blown away by the wind. But it was more than that, I feel like there were so many factors that came into play this winter. So here is what I did this winter that I credit my newfound happy feelings about the cold snowy days of to.
// I went outside. Even on those days I really didn’t want to I still went outside. When you know it is just going to be freezing outside I will admit it is not the easiest to layer on those clothes and get out the door. But I always feel so much better when I do! And, all of those walks I took this winter, they were so beautiful I can’t even complain about the fact that my toes were frozen for hours after I came back inside.
// I finally have proper winter clothes. Who knew you could actually walk outside and still feel your toes if you dress properly?! But really, the saying is so true, “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”
// I got over my fear of driving in the snow! You guys, this was a game changer. When you live somewhere that has snow for a few months out of the year you really have to learn to drive it it, no more relying on my taxi driver the Viking to get me around.
// I exercised. This for me is key, I have to keep moving all winter long to keep my brain and body happy. And on those days where the weather was winter perfection, I got to enjoy some runs outside. Something about a run out in the crisp air with snow around, it is beyond refreshing!
// I socialized. And not just over my computer, I actually got dressed and went out and met my friends as often as possible. Usually I am all about all social events, but there is something about the long winter that really makes me want to hibernate. This winter though I made sure to keep myself busy with GGI, bookclub and girl nights!
// I explored my own city. Somedays the weather was not cooperating for an adventure outside of the city. Instead of curling up on the couch (which did happen sometimes) I got out and explored Reykjavik. I took a city walk tour, tried new cafes, and just wandered to see what I would find. Even after two years of living here I am still stumbling onto some gems, like this pink house I saw over the weekend, how have I never seen this before?!
// I watched the sunrise and sunset as often as possible. Instead of complaining that the sun wouldn’t rise until 11 am I used the fact that I was already up to enjoy it. And those winter sunrises and sunsets, they sure are beautiful!
// I travel planned. Okay, this is not something that is possible every winter nor for everyone. But, having Slovenia, Scotland and then a trip to Oregon to look forward to and plan over the winter months, that sure helped cure those winter blues!
// I explored as often as possible. Last winter we had so many storms (aka wind storms, snow storms, all kinds of storms) that it wasn’t really possible to leave your house that often. This winter though, it has been beautiful, the perfect weather for exploring. I dragged my Viking out as often as possible, it is amazing how different places look in the different seasons. The winter blues are impossible when you have the Icelandic nature to explore!
I think I only wrote this post so I can read it again next October when the first snow arrives. Winter in the arctic, it isn’t as bad as it sounds. It may of taken me three years to come to this conclusion, but enjoying months of winter, it is possible, and winter days in the arctic are oh so beautiful!
Question of the Day?
What to you do to fend of the winter blues? Has spring arrived in your area?
