But the conversations are so delightful.
Some people consider weather small talk. They turn their noses up and want no part of it. They only want to delve into deep conversations. Me, I don't care as long as there's a genuine connection with the person. But, that's a whole other subject, that I will refrain from talking about. At least for now.
Is it really small talk? Weather, I mean.
I don't think so. It's the most common denominator for everyone. Especially, for ones in the same region. When we start talking about the weather, expressly, if it's extreme or out of the ordinary, then it becomes the hero's journey. Doesn't it? It has pretty much all the steps Joseph Campbell writes about.
1.)The ordinary world: AKA, the calm before the literal storm.
2.) Call to adventure : Ring a ling...Mother Nature calling. She never texts, unless you have a weather app with notifications. Will you answer the call?
3.)Refusal of the call: You will doubt your courage at first.Heck, maybe at second, third or forth. You will give in to fears. And as our man Joseph says," The temptation is to remain blissfully ignorant, to avoid discomfort, and to stay in your familiar world. "
Until you can't. What's that saying? You stay a bud until it hurts too much that you bloom. Something like that happens. You can't remain the same. We both know that's not how Mother Nature rolls.
4.) Meeting a mentor: This is usually someone who's been on the path and prevailed. These days you don't have to look far to find one. If you want someone who knows it all just go on Nextdoor or Facebook. Ha! Plenty of people there. But I beg you please, please be discerning on who you pick. You might well be talking to the villain, trickster, or the ugly side kick. Be aware. Beware.
5.) Crossing the Threshold: This is it. There is no turning back. You have answered the call of the wild. Isn't it thrilling?
The initiation begins.
6.) Test, allies and enemies: Here we go. The test is the actual weather. Power outages, pipes freezing, road closures, frost bite, blowing snow with no visibility. That's just winter.
The other seasons have their own obstacles. Here you will meet other heroes. They are the ones helping the elderly, or really anyone who can't shovel or plow. They are the ones pushing your car to the side of the road, giving you a blanket, and checking on you. Even bringing you into their homes. They are out in the thick of it.
These heroes crossed the threshold long ago. Then there are the enemies. It could be human or non human. The folks taking advantage of people in crisis.
This is the step where you slay the diabolical beasts. Never, ever slay a dragon. This is when you will have close calls, and of course failure. Your adrenaline is pumping and you feel alive.
The icing on this winter wonderland cake is datdatada.... you will have great tales to tell. Weather, small talk, hell no!
7.) Approach to the inmost cave: This is where you have already found your strengths and used them. It's also where you will face another level. I'm gonna let Joseph, take this one again.
"This is the beating heart of the hero’s challenge, where again self-doubt and fear can arise, as another threshold has to be crossed. This is often a period of respite, giving the hero time to pause and reflect. Will the hero make the leap?"
You betcha!
You have lived through the arctic blast. You have battled, helped, overcome and you are pooped. Mother Nature calls again.
Will you let it go to voicemail? Will you have the courage to overcome the next phase? The meltdown? The floods? The Post Office?
I hope the answer is yes. Put your cape on and get at it.
She'll be back.
8.) Ordeal: The grand finale. This is when you will live or die. Even if you live you will die. Well, death in a sense of you will never go back to the old ways. You have come into your power. Your confidence. Your humanity. I know it's dramatic. But it's true.
9. Reward, seizing the sword: You did it! You really, really did it. There is so much power in self confidence and mastery. The climax. Yes, please. You've gained knowledge about yourself and others and there is no going back. Do you even want to? Once you know, you know.
Celebrate. Raise that sword. Do a roundhouse kick. Clap your hands. Cry, laugh, jump for joy.
10.) The Road Back: This one has its own obstacles. It's not easy. You are going back, but you're not the same. This stage can either help you grow or break you down. Yes, there is still drama. Dude, this is a hero's journey. This is weather. Take this opportunity on the walk back to really digest what you did. What you went through. What you learned.
11. )Resurrection: Ahh, you've come home. The parades and accolades are coming your way, or not. Sometimes you are a silent hero. Here's the final confrontation. Will you go back to the way things were? Or will apply your gifts to the greater good for all of humanity. Will you?
Next time someone asks, "Is it cold enough for you?" Do not roll your eyes. Instead with a gleam in your eyes, tell your tale. Better yet, be quiet and listen to their tale.
With warmest regards and dazzling icicles,
Kelly
Some people consider weather small talk. They turn their noses up and want no part of it. They only want to delve into deep conversations. Me, I don't care as long as there's a genuine connection with the person. But, that's a whole other subject, that I will refrain from talking about. At least for now.
Is it really small talk? Weather, I mean.
I don't think so. It's the most common denominator for everyone. Especially, for ones in the same region. When we start talking about the weather, expressly, if it's extreme or out of the ordinary, then it becomes the hero's journey. Doesn't it? It has pretty much all the steps Joseph Campbell writes about.
1.)The ordinary world: AKA, the calm before the literal storm.
2.) Call to adventure : Ring a ling...Mother Nature calling. She never texts, unless you have a weather app with notifications. Will you answer the call?
3.)Refusal of the call: You will doubt your courage at first.Heck, maybe at second, third or forth. You will give in to fears. And as our man Joseph says," The temptation is to remain blissfully ignorant, to avoid discomfort, and to stay in your familiar world. "
Until you can't. What's that saying? You stay a bud until it hurts too much that you bloom. Something like that happens. You can't remain the same. We both know that's not how Mother Nature rolls.
4.) Meeting a mentor: This is usually someone who's been on the path and prevailed. These days you don't have to look far to find one. If you want someone who knows it all just go on Nextdoor or Facebook. Ha! Plenty of people there. But I beg you please, please be discerning on who you pick. You might well be talking to the villain, trickster, or the ugly side kick. Be aware. Beware.
5.) Crossing the Threshold: This is it. There is no turning back. You have answered the call of the wild. Isn't it thrilling?
The initiation begins.
6.) Test, allies and enemies: Here we go. The test is the actual weather. Power outages, pipes freezing, road closures, frost bite, blowing snow with no visibility. That's just winter.
The other seasons have their own obstacles. Here you will meet other heroes. They are the ones helping the elderly, or really anyone who can't shovel or plow. They are the ones pushing your car to the side of the road, giving you a blanket, and checking on you. Even bringing you into their homes. They are out in the thick of it.
These heroes crossed the threshold long ago. Then there are the enemies. It could be human or non human. The folks taking advantage of people in crisis.
This is the step where you slay the diabolical beasts. Never, ever slay a dragon. This is when you will have close calls, and of course failure. Your adrenaline is pumping and you feel alive.
The icing on this winter wonderland cake is datdatada.... you will have great tales to tell. Weather, small talk, hell no!
7.) Approach to the inmost cave: This is where you have already found your strengths and used them. It's also where you will face another level. I'm gonna let Joseph, take this one again.
"This is the beating heart of the hero’s challenge, where again self-doubt and fear can arise, as another threshold has to be crossed. This is often a period of respite, giving the hero time to pause and reflect. Will the hero make the leap?"
You betcha!
You have lived through the arctic blast. You have battled, helped, overcome and you are pooped. Mother Nature calls again.
Will you let it go to voicemail? Will you have the courage to overcome the next phase? The meltdown? The floods? The Post Office?
I hope the answer is yes. Put your cape on and get at it.
She'll be back.
8.) Ordeal: The grand finale. This is when you will live or die. Even if you live you will die. Well, death in a sense of you will never go back to the old ways. You have come into your power. Your confidence. Your humanity. I know it's dramatic. But it's true.
9. Reward, seizing the sword: You did it! You really, really did it. There is so much power in self confidence and mastery. The climax. Yes, please. You've gained knowledge about yourself and others and there is no going back. Do you even want to? Once you know, you know.
Celebrate. Raise that sword. Do a roundhouse kick. Clap your hands. Cry, laugh, jump for joy.
10.) The Road Back: This one has its own obstacles. It's not easy. You are going back, but you're not the same. This stage can either help you grow or break you down. Yes, there is still drama. Dude, this is a hero's journey. This is weather. Take this opportunity on the walk back to really digest what you did. What you went through. What you learned.
11. )Resurrection: Ahh, you've come home. The parades and accolades are coming your way, or not. Sometimes you are a silent hero. Here's the final confrontation. Will you go back to the way things were? Or will apply your gifts to the greater good for all of humanity. Will you?
Next time someone asks, "Is it cold enough for you?" Do not roll your eyes. Instead with a gleam in your eyes, tell your tale. Better yet, be quiet and listen to their tale.
With warmest regards and dazzling icicles,
Kelly
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