We stood in the middle of our driveway staring up at the night sky.  The air was cold, but not distractingly so, and the wind had settled down to a soft, easy breeze.

There was very little ambient light and the inky black sky above us seemed overcrowded with stars.  The second Nor’easter in a week had left 99% of our small town without power.

“I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen so many stars,” Michael said aloud as we stood gazing at the celestial show.  “I guess that’s one of the benefits of losing power.”

Over the next two and a half days without electricity, I’d discover more blessings. With meetings canceled and the inability to do much around the house, I was left with the pleasure of space and silence.

As a result, I went to bed early and woke up feeling rested and energized the next day.

Without easy access to email, social media, and the news, I felt more relaxed and less pressured to get things done.

Instead, I sat quietly in my office and watched the snow falling over our backyard.  I finished reading a good book.  And I enjoyed the magical quality that candlelight brings to a room instead of the intrusive blue glare of electronic screens.

The good old days – that’s what it felt like – back when life was simpler and we had more time to putter, to go outside and play in nature, and the space to think and daydream and wonder without so many distractions and interruptions.

We may have lost electricity, but it seemed to me that we gained a different source of power.

Yes, I was happy to return to the good old days last week.  And it looks like I’ll be visiting them again.

Note to self:  Reread this blog on Monday night before the next storm hits on Tuesday and keep your eyes on the blessings.

xo Cheryl

P.S. – You can order Waking Up in Winter: In Search of What Really Matters at Midlife, here.

P.P.S. – This week’s Facebook Live session will be held on Tuesday at 6pm EST/3pm PST.  You can join me on my Facebook Page here.  And you can watch previous sessions on my YouTube channel at CherylRichardsonTV here.

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