Temperatures below zero means that any ice on the ground will refuse to melt. It can be salted, plowed or stepped on a million times in a day, but it will never melt. Even the heaviest boots will not be able to crush it. Ice is stubborn and strong. If you’re gentle with it, it will be kind to you. You can skate and slide on it! I’ve even seen videos of people pouring out hot water from a kettle, and watching it turn into one giant icicle as it interacts with the crisp air. On the other hand, if you take one step too fast, the day is ruined. You can slip and fall onto the hard, cold surface that ironically burns your skin upon contact. Soft, fluffy, snowman-building snow is the best part of stepping outside in negative degrees. It looks like sparkly clouds when the sun is out. The reflection of rays almost makes it appear warm, until you touch it and the tips of your fingers go blue! Snow can be deceiving, but beautiful nonetheless. When the weather warms, it’s amazing to see the transition from snow and ice to water that just melts away.
We can all learn something from the behaviors of nature—be as persevering as ice, but as soft as snow. Stay strong when people try to wear you down. Have a playful side. Be malleable and open to change. Live in harmony with your surroundings.