The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Life can be like that small, scenic snow globe
Each of our snow globes represents a visual reminder that calm is the best strategy in life. If we can get through each day without agitating any snow globe, ours or those of other people, life would be much more pleasant.
Did you ever watch someone shake up a snow globe? At first glance, the globe depicts a peaceful and pleasant panorama of a tourist attraction or famous scene.
But what happens when you shake it? The ensuing frenzy is mesmerizing to watch as hundreds of tiny bits of “snow” vigorously twirl and swirl in a miniature cyclone contained within the glass.
The storm within the contained world starts with a frenzy and then slowly calms down as each of the miniscule bits gradually falls to the bottom. Calm is restored. Without an external force to agitate it, the scene remains peaceful.
Life is rather like that small scenic globe. When things are going well, then there is no pressure, life is pleasant and calm. As the stress begins to build in your life, it is as if a giant hand reaches down and starts to shake things up. The globe can be turned upside down, and your world can seem shaken to its core, but remember, as with the snow globe, it will once again calm down and peace will be restored. You just have to hang in there. All the pieces will fall into place with time. Literally.
Storms come and go in our lives, what’s important is that you persevere. Certainly, over the last 19 months, our globes were shaken nearly to the point of exhaustion.
But as we start to emerge from the COVID cocoon we were in for so long we feel more and more tranquil — our globes are quieted. We may not quite be at the point of complete peace, but we are certainly moving in the right direction. With vaccines and boosters available and strategies in place for prevention and even treatment of this disease, many are breathing a little easier.
Each of our snow globes represents a visual reminder that calm is the best strategy in life. If we can get through each day without agitating any snow globe, ours or those of other people, life would be much more pleasant. But, if things happen out of our control, it is comforting to know that with a little time, things will once again return to peace.
If you think of your life as a snow globe, there is another benefit. You now have a protective dome around you, keeping you safe. You can visualize problems coming at you but bouncing off the glass and deflecting harmlessly away.
Visualization is a powerful tool in keeping calm and remaining in control. It’s your snow globe — you make the rules for your life! You might not be able to control who shakes it up, but you can know with certainty that things will calm down. Remember, your peace comes from within. Don’t let yourself be shaken.