The temperature has dropped and snow has arrived this week. I’ve heard nine different responses:
Active Enjoyers… ‘I love the sharp frosts; I enjoy wearing warm gloves and woolly hats; I want deep snow to play in. It’s my favourite time of year.’
Tough Fighters… ‘I carry on regardless. I still go swimming in the sea/ drive to Scotland/ work in the garden.’
Fleeing Escapers… ‘I’m not staying here! I need a holiday somewhere warm. Christmas in the West Indies sounds good.’
Anxious Despairers… ‘Life’s really tough.I don’t know if I can cope. I didn’t think things could get worse – but they have.’
Fascinated Observers… ‘Watching the falling snow is fascinating, mesmerising. I love patterns in the frost, seeing icicles…’
Hiding Hibernators… ‘My tortoise has the right idea. I’ll wrap up warm and stay indoors – preferably in bed – until it gets warmer.’
Dismissive Comparers… ‘When we were children we had to wade through deep snow drifts and go to school whatever the weather.’
Thoughtful Carers… ‘My elderly neighbour will find this weather difficult. I’ll check they’re OK and offer to do some shopping for them.’
Optimistic Hopers… ‘It’s winter now, but difficulties that I’m facing now will end. I’m looking forward to spring.’
Musing… As someone who’s in or approaching his life’s winter, I see these attitudes from older friends:
Enjoyers and fighters view life’s winter positively. Life’s still an adventure that’s full of fun. They’re determined to make the most of retirement and advancing years.
Escapers and despairers view their old-age negatively. They either try to escape to some Peter Pan world where they never grow old, or they’re anxious and depressed.
Observers and hibernators step back and don’t want to be directly involved in life’s realities. They watch from their window, or find some warm spot to hide.
Comparers tell you stories about themselves and their problems; carers forget themselves and focus on helping and supporting the needs of others.
Hopers know that one day there will be something better…
malcolmsmusings.org 
I find myself among each group depending on the day. Well, not with the swimmers in a cold sea, but aging gratefully nonetheless.
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Great observation, Joy. I guess there are times when I visit each group too.
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Here’s to caring and hoping! I do understand the responses of all of them (I’m
Not a fan of cold)~but no matter the season, I strive to stay positive, knowing each season will bring its own unique experience (and growth for me, I pray). Happy winter, Malcolm. I enjoy your words and wisdom!
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Sometimes, Karla, I think we respond from our, often thoughtless default position. I think I’m trying to examine what my default position is.
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A friend and I recently had a conversation about our default positions. I’ve been reset and rebooted so much my default differs, lol!
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Dismissive Comparers-When I was in school, I did have to wade through giant lake effect snow drifts to get there! Thanks for the enjoyable read, Malcolm. 🙂
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I did too, Nancy… Our January 1963 was particularly memorable.
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