Doing the Heavy Lifting

During last week’s storm, strong winds took down a tree limb in a relative’s yard. Measuring about twelve feet long, the thick branch fell across the walkway creating a tripping hazard. Although I managed to push it aside, the weight of it caught me off-guard. No wonder fallen limbs damage homes and cars. Rotted or dead tree branches typically end up falling off when high winds come along, and sometimes fierce winds call for some serious tree cutting. That can be a tricky job, just ask this guy:

                                         https://youtu.be/GJphMdndIUc

Not everyone should wield a chainsaw. If you’re planning to cut down a full-grown tree, it’s best to think about how, when, and why you’re doing it, otherwise you could wind up with some unanticipated damage. Doesn’t that sound like life? When we take a chainsaw approach to handling problems, chopping and slicing the wrong way, we’re destined to rack up a heap of sadness, disappointment, and regret.          

What’s really the best way to deal with your heaviest problem?        

After the Plunge

Believe it or not, we’re winding down on the remaining weeks of winter, and in these parts, it hasn’t been that cold. Oh sure, the polar vortex visited, but only for a day or two. In fact, the last time it blew through those of us who like to take a dip in the ocean on a cold winter day did so. And, that amazes me because I get chilled during a summer breeze, so I can’t imagine doing the Polar Bear Plunge. Although this winter dip usually raises money for charity, it sounds like torture to me. Last week when they took the Plunge, I heard the barely bearable cold required that extra emergency staff be on hand. That’s one way to experience total body frostbite. Weird things happen in the cold. Like this:

                                     https://youtu.be/wsDvFMVU0hc

Unexpected storms stop people in their tracks. We had a moderate squall blow through last week, and I ended up cancelling my travel plans. It’s one thing to prepare when you know a storm is coming, but it’s another thing to get caught right in the middle of one without forewarning or protection. The storms of life come in all shapes and sizes, with some lasting longer than others, but eventually, we get through them. What kind of “spring” (benefit) have you experienced on the other side of your biggest storm?      

If We Wing It

We’ve been spoiled by whopping seventy-degree temperatures in December. Folks in our parts aren’t used to the -20° F feel-like temperatures predicted for this weekend. When it comes to trudging through those kind of conditions, people in Alaska are prepared. Are we ready for what’s coming? We trot from car door to store door with nothing but a light jacket. Unless you’re a skier, most of us don’t own a suitable selection of warm hats, gloves, and winter scarves. If the polar vortex continues to bring more bone-chilling weather, we’ll need to get prepared. Check out this out:

                                     https://youtu.be/YJYaV8UJxko

Pull out the bungee cord. It’s not the winter tool I expected, but the guy must know something if he survives regular sub-zero weather. Plus, he had the engine block running, so he’ll be good to go. Since we’re unfamiliar with extreme conditions, guess what we’ll do? We’ll wind up winging it. We’ll be creative and survive a few vortex days, but winging it doesn’t always work. What happened the last time you went into a situation totally unprepared?         

Inside the Storm

Once the weather forecasters announce a major storm, the flurry of activity begins. We hunt for groceries to buy, salt to sprinkle, and gas to fill our vehicles. Afterwards we race home to wait for the flakes to accumulate. Once we’re forced to suspend normal activities—the magic begins. It’s those special times that wouldn’t occur unless usual circumstance push us to do the thing we wouldn’t normally have the time or energy to do. Things like this:

                                     https://youtu.be/1HIm4OyKefE  

What’s done in the storm can be done in the sun, and the unusual can be our norm. Let’s break the technology habit. Put down the phone, the tablet, and the computer. Take time off from the bustle of your regular schedule. Studies say we’re more productive when we pause to reenergize and rejuvenate ourselves. The condition you’re in when you reach your destination makes all the difference.          

What steps will you take to enjoy your journey?