We have had some extreme cold temperatures around the Country recently. It has made me very grateful for the positive 20 degrees and sunshine we have enjoyed in Utah.

When I was on a cross country trip to Utah from my home state of Georgia at the age of 8 years old, the heater went out in our van. It was December. When we hit the Rocky Mountains, the temperatures dropped to below freezing.We had blankets to bundle up in, but I remember eating frozen oranges for a snack.

The other thing I remember is that there was no bickering in the van. I am one of seven children in my family and there was always some complaining happening on our many cross country trips to visit my grandparents in Utah. But not this trip.

We were in survival mode. When our bodies go into survival mode, every ounce of energy is focused on surviving. Everything else becomes frivolous in comparison. Nothing else matters but staying alive.

When the temperature is extreme in our lives – too low as in a bank account that is below zero, or too hot as in an abusive relationship, we slip into survival mode. In this state of being, we lose the ability to express ourselves beyond the basic necessities of life.

One beautiful thing about extreme temperatures is we are sort of shut in from the cold or the heat and we have the opportunity to look around our homes and see things that we didn’t notice before like a cluttered garage or shed. It’s a time to take note of things we are going to do when the temperature is a little milder.

A drop in temperature doesn’t have to mean we shut down completely. We can choose to look around and see what needs to change. Even if we can’t make the change immediately, we can make a plan.

I have noticed that our bodies adjust to temperature. I have the option to put on more layers or open a window and let some cool air in if it’s hotter inside. There are also fun adventures that can only be enjoyed in extreme climates.

Temperature is a gauge, a clue. I often check the thermometer before I go out to know if I need a scarf or not. It’s like sticking your toe in the water. We can prepare ourselves for what is to come by checking the temperature of a situation or impending experience. Once present in the situation, we can adjust to the actual temperature easily by taking away layers of protection if it’s milder than expected

When we change, our perception of what temperature is comfy changes too. I recently walked through my home and gauged what was comfy now based on the person I have become. It was a great exercise! Listen to the call for some tips on doing this for yourself.

New Ideas to Consider:

• I am comfortable in any temperature or circumstance
• I am adaptable
• I am flexible
• I am able to choose how comfortable I am
• I check the temperature of my life often and prepare accordingly
• I control how comfy I am, regardless of the temperature
• There are exciting adventures within

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