Lessons of Winter

Spring has sprung, finally!! I have been waiting for this day to come since February. The tiresome act of layering, putting on a big coat, big scarf, gloves, hat, thick sock, etc. was just getting to be plain annoying. Today I only went out with a light coat and even took it off in the afternoon. I have had a permanent smile on my face since.

I have a feeling that Vienna is going to come alive in the coming weeks. Even now, there are starting to be chairs and tables lining the Donau canal and the sidewalks and people are bustling about with more smiles on their faces. It’s like a breath of fresh air has swept across our city and I love it.

In one of the longest, hardest, and coldest winters of my young life, I have learned two particular things. The first being the outdoors does wonders for the body and spirit. I am such a home body but if I have no reason to go out then there are high chances I won’t. Can anyone relate? But in about January, I told myself that I had to get out of the house for an hour even when the winds came from Russia. Now, I wasn’t perfect by any means but the days that I got out, I was in a much better mood and my emotional health was significantly better. Obviously getting out is way easier when it’s warm.

Now, the second thing I learned is that people make or break the place that you live in. A while back, I mentioned that I had not found my people here. And I am pleased to say that the people I have met here have become dear friends already and have made our lives here so joyful! It's the people in our ward and institute (institute has actually saved my life socially), and even friends far away who send love through texts or messages. I am so grateful for everyone who has graced our lives thus far. We love you!!