There’s a famous Scandinavian phrase Cam and I have sought to embrace since moving to Minnesota. It’s the perfect reminder to stay prepared and approach any situation we encounter with enthusiasm, perspective, and gusto:
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
Minnesota is infamous for its frigid winters and snowy, glacial, and even treacherous, inhospitable weather. When people think “Minnesota” they often think cold, ice, and infinite layers of bulky clothing, and yet there’s something authentic and beautiful about this state despite the intense, unrelenting conditions that come each winter: Minnesotans simply don’t care. Yes, the weather can be harsh and extreme, but Minnesotans’ general enthusiasm for life and unrelenting “can do” attitude takes what may initially appear as unfavorable weather and reframes it as an opportunity to get outside, invest in new types of activities, and infinitely expand our human perspective around not only what’s beautiful but also what’s possible.
What’s not to love about that?
And while this saying is particularly applicable for me and Cam as we inhabit the “bold north” and experience cold and snow for much of the year, what I appreciate about this sentiment is that its significance runs deeper than what even its initial connotation suggests. It’s true that the right clothing, gear, or even preparation for that matter can make a world of difference regardless of the type of weather – or context – you encounter: In all circumstance careful planning and diligence is key. And yet the ability to shift your approach and reframe your perspective is way more beneficial than the support any type of all-weather gear can ever offer to provide.
Indeed, viewing the world with a “there’s no such thing as bad weather” lens can help us stay healthier, happier, and more resilient and confident, no matter the challenges or circumstances life throws at us. For when we look at things this way, we remove the ability for blame, scapegoating, and lack of accountability and instead take ownership and responsibility for examining the environment we inhabit and intentionally shaping it into a world we want to live in. When we approach life with the recognition that there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing suddenly barriers become transient, that which once held us back transforms into new gateways for exploration and opportunity, and everything becomes possible and available to us if only we adopt the right attitude and work ethic.
I don’t know about you, but I choose to bundle up, get outside, and embrace the magnificent world that awaits me. For there’s always the potential for both bad weather and bad attitudes, and I vow to never let either get in the way of me living the truest, most beautiful life I can possibly imagine.
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