I am a shoveler. Yep when the snowflakes fly and the need arises I get my handy, not fancy shovel and get to work. I take up and remove the snow, flinging it, sometimes pushing it to the edge of the driveway and sidewalk.

Do I have other choices beyond to shovel? Absofreakinlutely! I could buy a snowblower, hire someone to shovel or plow, or let the snow sit until it melts. I choose to shovel because I like it. Yep I actually enjoy it. What I like about shoveling is that when the snow is falling the world becomes so peaceful. Usually the only sound is the scraping my shovel makes as it is clearing the snow. On those days when there is my “favorite” amount of snow, which is not too much, not too wet, not too stingy in my face my mind drifts off into peace. My focus is on the task at hand.  All the other cares in my mind drift away, it gives my body a great physical workout, and for a period of time all is well with me.

Now when the snow is not my “right” amount or “right” kind of snow that is a totally different story. There have been many times after a serious snowstorm when the garage door opens up there is a TON of snow. Piled so high and with so much snow it seems like an impossible task. I look at some of the driveways around me that have been cleared by their plow person or snowblower and I feel a little grumpy, stuck, overwhelmed. I realize the longer I look at others around me, the longer I wait to begin, that it will take longer for me to do something I am able and capable of doing. So I begin. I switch (with effort) my mindset to getting one section done at a time. Yes just one. I focus on completely clearing one section. When done I do a mental celebration and move on to the next section. Sometimes I begin at the end of the driveway where the snowplows from the town have added snow, ice, caked in solid snow. My starting and ending point varies depending upon how I am feeling mentally. Sometimes I listen to some tunes or a podcast. Sometimes I sing, making up songs as I go. Yet I keep going. I know this will take a lot of physical and mental effort. I know I can do it. I know at the end I will feel victorious for my accomplishment! Perhaps more snow will be coming. I know I will be able to handle it.

My shoveling challenges are reflective of the challenges we all face in life. There are circumstances that occur appearing to be  overwhelming and impossible. There is too much to do, too much coming at you, perhaps the snow is continuing, there is an icy mix, the temperatures are freezing, the snow is so heavy, or you are feeling like you are not strong enough, or you are not sure if your shovel can handle it. When too much of too much is going on, take a moment to assess what you need to do and how you are going to approach it. There are choices you can make to help you clear your snowy path. You can:

  • Begin where are you and start clearing section by section. 
  • Take breaks as you need to.
  • Get help and support. Reach out to others around you. Let them know how they can help you. A “you can do this, I believe in you” phone call holds an incredible amount of support and power.
  • You can wait for the snow to melt. Doing that puts control on other forces. There is also a chance that more and more snow will be added until snow melts.
  • You can buy a snowblower or hire a plow person. There is more than one way to clear a driveway. You need to do it your way.
  • Focus in on what is needed for you. DO NOT compare yourself to others. Their driveway is their driveway. Your driveway is all yours.
  • Help others. Yep when you see other people struggling around you to clear their snow go and help them. 
  • Celebrate each section you get cleared. Take a moment to reflect on what you have taken care of.
  • Cheerlead your abilities. You are a capable snow shoveling person. Whatever challenges you are facing you CAN conquer them. Be like the little train. “I know I can, I know I can”.
  • Keep your body rested, nourished, healthy strong.
  • Vent out your frustration, get your aaarrrrgggghhh out. Then let it go and move on.
  • Have an attitude of gratitude. Yep an attitude of gratitude. Whatever shoveling challenging you are facing or have faced there are some things to be grateful for. Find them and express your gratitude

Miley Cyrus said “When life puts you in touch situations don’t say Why me. Say Try me”.

You are a totally tough, resilient human. Your amazing you is the only you that will ever be. When challenges come your way it is scary, overwhelming, daunting. That holds true for everyone. You have everything you need to do this. There are people around you to help and support you as you clear your snowy driveway. Reach out to them for any and all levels of support. You are still the one working through the challenge. They are supporting you as you do so.

You matter! I believe in you⭐️

May your shoveling be with you💜

Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash