Snow.

Because it’s beautiful. The way it drifts from the skies and coats everything in white silence. I like how it catches on branches and the tops of buildings. Then it piles up on the ground and blankets the earth with a new layer, one that melts and brings new life in the later seasons. I’ve always thought snow was like a cleansing of the world. Out with the old, in with the new.

Snow also brings a time of reflection, at least for me. I find myself retreating to the warmth of my bedroom and opting to watch the snow dance past my window instead of feeling it on my skin, leaving me alone to my thoughts. The snow has always spelled a quiet time for me, one of isolation and tranquility. I love curling up on my bed as the winter storms rage outside, letting my thoughts swirl aimlessly like snowflakes in my mind. It’s almost like a storm, an idea, an epiphany, is racing through me, like mother nature is reflecting my emotions. I’ve always felt a strong connection with myself and winter, because it’s the only time where being alone feels justified by the weather.

Today, though, the snow brought me together with friends. We bundled ourselves up tight and set out to roll a snowman from scratch. We rolled, and rolled, and rolled. We smoothed surfaces. We lifted and packed. We laughed to near tears. We gave up, once or twice or three times. Then we rolled, and rolled again. Eventually we chose to finish the snowman tomorrow, but smiled at the three large lumps we had crafted with our bare hands. Today, the snow had been a canvas for laughs and creation. Our own blank surface we could pour our energy into. It made the storm seem not so destructive. Like mother nature was gracing us with a gift.

Snow is always put in a bad light. It’s disgusting. It’s cold. It’s dangerous. But it’s also precious, and delicate, and soft. It can break a fall from the roof of a house with ease. It can be molded into anything you want. It can swaddle you if you don’t fear its icy touch. It’s something that I’ll always love, because I’ve learned to see the good it brings. Because it’s shapeable. Because it’s wonderful. Because it’s beautiful.