Welcome – I’m so excited you’re here. If you’re reading this blog, I know you’re someone who cares about thriving at work and living a life you love.
So, what do you need to know about me? I know my prairie roots have profoundly shaped my worldview. I was born in Saskatchewan and I’ve lived in Western Canada my whole life. I have been thinking about how I can relate my prairie upbringing with how I approach my work and life. Let me explain.
Growing up in Saskatchewan means to endure long, bitterly cold prairie winters. To keep our spirits up, we are trained to keep looking up and noticing the open blue skies and sunshine even on the coldest days.
We’re also taught to be kind to our neighbors. We know we need to be in a community to survive the climate. You never know when you might get stuck, your car won’t start, or you’ll need a ride.
When it’s minus 40 and dark by 4:00 PM you have to believe there will be sunshine beyond the dark days of winter. While you’re dreaming, you still need to make sure you have a warm winter coat and a snow shovel.
And since this is life as you know it why now squeeze out as much joy as you can? You find a lot of things to do indoors. You get creative about all the things you can do outdoor too if you’re properly dressed.
We get through the winter complaining about it and congratulating each other for surviving. And then we get to experience the joy of a glorious spring, and a hot summer. We don’t take the warm weather for granted because we know it doesn’t last. No one wants to waste a sunny day.
Come September a cool breeze feels refreshing. Watching the leaves turn color can be a beautiful sight. Snow means a serious wardrobe change but it also means Christmas is coming. No one can argue the beauty of a white Christmas.
Living through four seasons it’s impossible not to notice life keeps changing. Every season has a purpose; a challenge; its own beauty and a time to let go.
Cheerfully (and literally) surviving harsh climates requires imagination, practical strategies, and people to hang out with to help you make it through. Checking the forecast before you leave the house doesn’t hurt either.
This is a useful metaphor for describing my work and life pathway so far. Does this ring true for you?
