I often think I have a ‘winter soul’ since summer is my least favorite season and winter is my most favorite. But I can’t help but wonder how much of that is influenced by the fact that I grew up in Florida and only lived in a cold climate for 3 years. I hear from people who live in places like Canada that it is a much different experience when you have to shovel snow, scrape your windshield, chop wood, etc. But since I am so stubborn, even knowing that winter is not for the weak doesn’t make me want it any less. I just recently watched The Matrix for the first time, and one of my favorite lines is when Morpheus says, “knowing the path is different than walking the path.” So it makes me think a little more deeply about the things I want in general. Do I really want it or do I just like the idea of it? And when I think of it in those terms, I really do think I’m drawn to winter for a reason, not just for the aesthetics. I could go even deeper about it though – such as do I feel more resilient in winter because I feel a deep connection to my northern European heritage, which in turn helps me bear the cold more? Does the wild blooming energy of spring and summer overwhelm my sensitive soul? I think it all plays a part.