Sunshine or Shadow-Your Choice!
February 2, today, is Groundhog Day!
Folklore says that if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, then spring will come early.
If it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks.
Every culture seems to have a “middle of the winter” celebration because winter is dark and discouraging. This is ours! We all seem to look for some hope that spring is coming.
What I love to do is figure out a personal metaphor for life in most holidays and this one is no exception!
How many of us are living as groundhogs and hibernate and vegetate until we get an idea or see an opportunity to live more actively? Then we timidly stick out our head to check things out and quickly withdraw back into our comfort zone at the sign of our own shadow.
Our groundhog nature is often scared of our own shadow-shadows of
- fear,
- anxiety,
- of what will they think,
- what if I fail,
- what if I make a fool of myself… all personal shadows.
If it’s any help to you…
- just remember what Mark Twain said,
“I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”
- And do what I do: think that they are worried about what I will think!
- And remember what Michael Jordan said,
I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occassions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot . . . and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why . . . I succeed.”
If we choose, we can look towards the sun, letting all our shadows fall behind us. We can then see the road ahead with its possibilities and potential for living life fully, with no need to continue hibernating!
You can join me in using this most uplifting of holidays to celebrate, to say YES to life and step out into the sunshine!
What will you say YES to?
P.S. Remember Bill Murray in Groundhog Day? It may have taken him a long time, but he really did finally “get it!”
5 Comments
And magically, it would seem, it is sunny here today! Gorgeous. A hint of what is to come. So Happy Imbolc to all!
There are lots of changes coming and I choose to step out into that sun and get going on them…even if winter continues another 6 weeks.
Your metaphors are always fascinating, Pat. You’ve done this for as long as I can remember!
Well, Fay, I had to look up “Imbolc” before responding! Now I know (and shouldn’t have been surprised that you knew) that Imbolc is one of four major pagan sabbats or holidays attributed to the ancient Celts that also is February 2nd. Who knew?
“I knocked on the door of insanity, and when it opened — I was on the other side.” Thanks for your many jabs of sanity. Annette
Do not sit indoors and wait for ……… Set a goal for self to get out every day. Go for a walk, work-out at the YMCA, walk the idles at the store, etc. Don’t just sit inside and wait for a better day tomorrow. Get self out and make it a better day today. Someone else can say in the hole.
Earl, your reminder to “Just Do It” is timely as many of us do use the “weather” as an excuse to vegetate!