I want to talk about something we all experience: those days that feel like a never-ending winter. You know, the kind where the only thing you want to do is crawl back into bed and hibernate.
I just got back from my morning run, and let me tell you, this morning definitely felt like winter. Crisp air, low sun, and that bone-chilling wind that whispers, "Just stay in, what are you doing out here?"
But then, something unexpected happened. As I hit a particularly tough uphill stretch, feeling like my legs were about to turn into icicles, a wave of warmth surrounded me. It wasn't the sun (although that would have been nice!), but it was almost like an invisible heat blanket that seemed to appear out of nowhere.
Now I know this wasn't some magical intervention, it was likely a gust of warm air coming down from the mountains. But honestly, it was just what I needed. It didn't say anything, didn't even give a warning, but it was like a silent hand reaching out saying, "Keep going, you're doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing."
The thing is, we often don't realize how much we need that little lift. We're fighting through metaphorical winters, blind to the fact that we're silently struggling. We don't even know we need a little encouragement, a simple sign that we're on the right track.
It's like building a house in the dark. You put down bricks, frame walls, hammer nails, but you can't see the final product. It's easy to get discouraged, to think all that effort is for nothing. But trust me, every call you make, every email you send, every task you complete – they're all bricks in the foundation of your future.
Recent research published in Nature Neuroscience even suggests that our brains release dopamine, the feel-good chemical you’ve probably heard of, not just when we achieve a goal, but also when we simply believe we can reach it. So, setting those goals and visualizing success is actually a reward in itself, giving us the motivation to keep going. Knowing the exact moves it takes to get that rush, can give us that much needed boost.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." So when you’re stuck in the dead of winter, it’s the belief and hope in the future that will provide you that warmth you need to keep going.
So, what can we learn from this unexpected heatwave in the winter air?
- You're exactly where you're supposed to be. Don't let doubt tell you otherwise. Every step, every stumble, is part of the journey.
- You're laying the groundwork for something amazing. Those seemingly insignificant tasks are the bricks of your future castle. Keep building!
- You're not alone. We're all in this together so keep pushing through.
Remember, you have the power to shape your destiny, so go out there and make it happen.