From the inside looking out
“Winter solitude-
in a world of one colour
the sound of the wind.”
― Matsuo Bashō
Looking outside the icy cold, frosted window lead to a beautiful surprise.
It has been very very cold. The kind of cold that builds strength and resilience. The kind of cold that keeps you trapped inside. I find being stuck inside the house to be a very isolating feeling. I have never been one to like being inside for an entire day. Instead, I like to break free and get out into the world and feel connected to others. When I’m stuck inside the house, I find it unbearably isolating, lonely and somewhat depressing. Even if I’m inside the house for an entire day with my kids, I still feel this innate need to escape and get out.
I have always been this way as long as I can remember. I take after my dad who has been said to have “ants in the pants”. He can’t sit still.
I can sit still but I like to move. I like to experience life and actively partake in every aspect of it. I like to connect with nature and with others. I like to see what is going on around me. I don’t like to be confined one bit and sometimes when I’m stuck too long inside the house it almost feels like a prison.
Of course I love my house. I just don’t like being enclosed within boundaries or walls. If I had my pick, I’d be outside in the open air with life surrounding me.
This is what makes winter so hard for me. It is a test of the soul especially when I cannot get outside as much as I need.
A few more months and things will start to change. The days will get longer, the ice will melt and the rebirth of spring will revive my soul.
Would I trade it?
I’m not quite sure.
For the cycle of life is so incredibly revitalizing and pure.
The Diary of a Happy Mom: 40 and Beyond 
The Basho poem is very fitting. Currently right now it sounds like the big bad wolf is right outside my front door!
Thanks! 🙂
I understand these emotions very well Nicole.
That is good to hear that I’m not alone! The last few days of extreme weather have put me over the edge. I finally laced up my shoes, and went on a run. It was 10 degrees but worth it. 🙂
😀