So, today is Groundhog Day… nothing wrong
with that. It’s a fun day, one that I enjoy immensely. Since Kindergarten, I’ve
always liked guessing whether Punxsutawney Phil will see
his shadow or not and how long the winter will, in theory, stretch on. And, to
top it all off, it inspired a verrry good film of the same title starring Bill
Murray (one of my heroes… if you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favour and get
a copy − my Mum, a Murray-hater, even loved it).
But I do get a tad annoyed with people’s
response to the day.
Now, I know I might be about to kick a
landmine, but hear me out.
For some people, Groundhog Day is a very
serious event. They get up early, checking the news channels, listening to
radio stations, waiting for a sign.
People are so desperate to be told what the
future is going to be like, they’ll even seek advice from a groundhog. The
thing is, whether he sees his shadow or not doesn’t matter.
I’ll go one step further − if the winter
stretches on for six more weeks or twenty, it shouldn’t matter either.
And, contrary to what you may be thinking
now, it isn’t because the tradition lacks merit.
Heck, maybe Mr. Groundhog can sense how
long winter will stretch on − maybe he’s right. I’m certainly not questioning
his season-reading abilities.
It’s that both he and the six weeks of
winter are external factors. Whether it snows for longer or not, your plans
shouldn’t be altered. You shouldn’t be disappointed either way, even if you do
believe in the shadow-sighting theory.
You are responsible for your life − the
more responsible you are, the more you’ll feel like you’re at the wheel of your destiny, in charge and confident of it. The more you give away control to a
groundhog, your spouse or even your boss, you’re gradually losing ground to the
world outside your circle of influence. And you’re losing the deep value you receive
for earning a life well lived.
So, don’t take offense, Punxsutawney
Phil; you’re certainly not the problem. Nor are you, Mother Winter. But
you, dear reader, may be… take responsibility for as much as you possibly can.
You’ll feel better for it − extra winter or not.
Talk to you next week!
Alex H.
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