By Joanne Guidoccio
Each year, I join in the fun and anticipation surrounding Groundhog Day, hoping Wiarton Willie (Ontario’s groundhog) will predict an early spring. A feeling that I believe is shared by millions of Canadians and Americans who are focusing on their respective groundhogs, among them Punxsutawney Phil, Shubenacadie Sam, Balzac Billy, and Buckeye Chuck.
Several years ago, I came across a very different perspective on Groundhog Day, one that forced me to stop and reflect upon my own personal barometer.
Here’s the post from Editor Bob’s newsletter:
In New York City, we crave the luminous skies and warm weather which are still months away. I am recovering from the cabin fever. All is frozen outside but certainly not my heart.
As a curious explorer in school, I used to enjoy weather forecasting by observing the activity of a groundhog at Staten Island Zoo where on February 2, the groundhog comes out of the burrow all day and the ceremony is open for all.
As it looks at its own shadow it indicates the continuation of cold dry winters while if there is an umbrella of clouds, it stays outside predicting the arrival of spring. The behavior of this intelligent rodent helps in predicting the waning of winter or the onset of spring. I find this phenomenon fascinating.
Last evening as I was sitting with Fred, my retired, reformist friend, at the pub, he enlightened me with his perspective of the Groundhog Day which was rather unique and interesting. It gave me a new insight.
Fred said, “You know Bob this day reminds me of my lonely days. I emerged from my coldness only to find my own shadow which was as solitary as my pride. My seasons never changed till I transcended my attitude and eventually, I made great friends who enveloped me in love and warmth. When I open myself to camaraderie, the springtime of my life continues.”
The only prerequisite for long-lasting happiness is to stop walking in your own shadow. We are the weather prophets of our life.
Are you warm or cold today?
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Word by Word 
Hi, Joanne! As a kid, I couldn’t wait for winter to be over. I am not a cold-weather person. However, since we experience drought at times, I prefer a longer winter. My dad said, “Long winter, cool summer.” There seems to be truth in that and sometimes, more rain. And now, I have UGGS; so my feet are rarely cold.
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Hi Vicki, I also prefer the cooler summers.Enjoy your UGGS…I love my Toe Warmer boots. 🙂
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I love spring, and it begins early where I live, in Coastal Western Canada. The first of February to me, means it’s almost March 😀
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Hi Kathryn, Early spring…how I envy you! 🙂
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“The only prerequisite for long-lasting happiness is to stop walking in your own shadow. We are the weather prophets of our life.” Seriously cool. I’ll remember this one.
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Hi McKenna, I’ve reread this post several times…Those sentences speak to me as well. 🙂
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Fred is a wise man. This especially hits home to those of us who are introverts (waves madly). It’s soooo hard to put yourself out there, but if you can gather up your courage to try, the rewards are boundless.
The relationships I’ve gained by forcing myself to take that step have all but erased those awkward, lonely days.
Warm, I’m warm today 🙂
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Hi Jacquie, I can empathize…I’m also an introvert and struggle to put myself out there. I’m happy to hear that you’re warm today. 🙂
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This is so lovely, Joanne. As an introvert, I struggle with this as well! 🙂
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Good to see you here, Sharon. According to statistics, 1 out of 6 people are introverts. I believe that applies to the general population. Among writers, I suspect close to half (or more) are introverts. We are a growing tribe! 🙂
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