The snowpocalypse of 2015 has crippled my town.  For the 8th day in 3 weeks my children are home with a snow day.  I am fully aware that often, the Universe has a greater plan than I am consciously aware of.  All I can do is go with the flow.

Growing up, I loved to check my horoscope in Cosmo but I never took astrology any further than that.  While I have come to appreciate the inaccuracy of horoscopes, I have actually come to respect that cosmic events impact life on Earth.  One of those, that happens approximately 3 times a year, and is currently occurring, is Mercury Retrograde.  As Mercury passes the Earth in its orbit,  it appears to slow down, stop and spin backwards.  This is an optical illusion, yet it has powerful effects. This phenomenon lasts for approximately 3 weeks at a time.

The downside of Mercury Retrograde involves disrupted communication, travel plans and technology snafus.  It is advised not to launch new businesses nor sign contracts during this time.  In our fast paced lives we loathe anything that might impede our progress, but there is an upside to Mercury Retrograde.  It is a time for review and reflection.  It is a time for going within.  I can’t think of a better way to force us to go within than to keep us snowbound with children.

Rather than whine about something that is beyond my ability to control, I am going to list some of the positives that have come of this Mercury Retrograde snowpocalypse.

1. When Our Routines are Disrupted We See What Might Not be Working in Our Lives. When we are in the zone, juggling work, kids, and home we rarely have a chance to consider if we would change anything about our circumstances.  When was the last time you had a break from your routine that did not involve another pre-set plan?  These are golden moments to ponder the direction you’re headed and to begin to make a plan to change whatever isn’t working.
2. Learning to Love Our Own Company. One of the most important lessons I think any of us can ever learn is to be our own best friend and best company. Having a son and a daughter means that both of them are constantly clamoring to have a friend over.  Although the kids have seen friends, it hasn’t been anything like the usual volume due to poor driving conditions.  My son, in particular, has really embraced this time to realize he likes himself and his own company.  I have seen him beaming with happiness in the backyard with our dog Ginger.  He has even acknowledged his good feelings about himself to me.  The snowpocalypse helped him to realize that he liked his own company.  This is a significant life lesson and one he will carry forward forever.
3. We Aren’t Spending Any Money. I probably don’t need to expand on this idea further…
4. We Find Gratitude for the Things We Take for Granted. It takes a blizzard and the threat of lost power in winter to make you grateful for the little things.  Seriously, how many of us wake up and acknowledge how lucky we are to have power, heat, a full refrigerator and a stove that works?  A lot of places around the globe do not have these things on a daily basis.  Perspective…
5. We Realize How Little Control We Actually Have. Plans be like…see ya!  We think we can control the circumstances in our lives.  We live by our iPhone calendars and most are filled to capacity.  Then Mother Nature reminds us just how powerless we really are.  Life is like a river.  We are simply along the ride.  Relax and flow.  What choice do we really have?

And one more, my husband has found immense pride in his ability to reach black top with the snowblower.  It’s the little things…!

Although I look forward to getting back to life outside my igloo of a house, a little perspective can help us all to embrace the present moment for what it offers and to truly appreciate green grass when we get to see it again…in July!

I’d love to learn what wisdom (or humor) you have learned from this event.  Feel free to comment and share!