Traction

I was very smart, intuitive really, to have booked my vehicle in a few days ago to have the winter tires put on.  This morning we are experiencing our first snowfall of the season; the roads are extremely slippery and everyone is driving as slow as if this phenomenon never happens here in Calgary.  I would be feeling smug, except that the tires for our (now gone) 2002 Odyssey did not fit our 2006 Odyssey.  They would fit the rims, I was told, but the slight difference in tire size would affect the speedometer by 5%.  So what? - I gestured.  Anything greater than 3% was unacceptable.  Ugh!

I could not have known it was going to snow this year on November 4^th – not really.  But I am still discouraged to be alternately spinning my tires and sliding through intersections while (ironically) there are four snow tires in the back!  It feels unjust.  In my life, I take the extra step to be adequately prepared – and when that doesn’t pay off, it is disheartening.

Perhaps I spend too much time preparing for the eventualities of life. However, it makes me feel more ready: emotionally, mentally, and physically, for the changing of the seasons within my life.  But so much of our lives are unknown, beyond our control or ability to prepare. Though I have learned that I can’t get ready for every situation, event, or season, I think that by attuning my priorities each season I naturally shift the flow of energy to what I can manage. It is however, a moving target!

At this time of year, when the sun tucks in earlier and earlier, I find I need a larger circle of support with frequent points of contact, yet less interaction and stimulation.  This is the hardest time of year for me to get some traction, maybe for most people. 

The truth is, it doesn’t really matter if I have snow tires, or not; I do have fuel and if I didn’t have fuel, well, I would still have money – or I would stay home! My priorities remain consistent throughout the year (or so I think), but my capacity to move beyond the top three: self-care, marriage and parenting, is hampered.  And so I will start the season without snow tires; fully equipped in other ways that will compensate for the loss of traction on certain days.  And when I find myself low on fuel or energy I will stay home, or if needed call (you) for a boost.