Just like snowflakes, no two problems are the same. The good thing about snowflakes and problems is that they can both be temporary and lead us to witness beautiful things.

For the January Positivity Challenge, let’s think of our problems as snowflakes and let the chill of worrying about our misfortunes melt away. We can celebrate the fact that they are temporary and can be unexpectedly beneficial.

For Christmas, Hubby and I decided to take the kids on a vacation instead of giving them “stuff.” We were excited to share with them the gifts of time and experience. When we announced our plans two weeks before Christmas, their reactions were nowhere near what we expected. Our 11-year-old was full of questions about how much soda he could drink on the trip. The 13-year-old was like, “Yeah, I’ll go, but I’d rather go somewhere else.” The 16-year-old left the dinner table in tears because she could not believe we would force her to go somewhere with us without her friends.

Despite their less-than-eager reactions, the trip was booked and our sweet minions took their first-ever flight on Christmas morning. The kids complained about the early hour of our departure, but because of our timing, they got to witness a brilliant sunrise while on their first-ever flight. ❄️ #1

On Christmas morning there were not a lot of restaurants open, this was a problem because everyone was STARVING. When we finally found an IHOP open, we were seated in a corner booth and everyone had something fancy and delicious to eat. The holiday-themed decor, music, menu, and our festively dressed server made the meal feel like we were in a Hallmark Chrismas movie. ❄️#2

We chose Texas for our vacation destination with the hope of warmer weather. Well, it definitely wasn’t warmer than at home and it poured rain the first two days. This caused us to cancel our initial plans of ice skating in Frisco Square and seeing the highly-advertised Christmas lights show. Instead, we chose to give Top Golf a try and enjoyed 2 hours of attempting to hit golf balls at the targets on the course. Hubby and I enjoyed adult beverages and the 11-year-old kept his tradition of eating at least one cheeseburger a day. We laughed, talked trash, and enjoyed an evening snuggled under the heaters when it wasn’t our turn to hit the ball. ❄️#3

I will never claim to be the best navigator in Texas, but I will admit to enjoying the giggles that came from my cranky kids when they heard another driver honk at my driving. (There are too many U-turns required to navigate the Dallas/Fort Worth area.) ❄️#4

Negative attitudes, the weather, and the terrible head colds that Hubby and the kids developed did not prevent the trip from being a success. For our last night in Fort Worth, I purchased tickets to the Cowtown Coliseum Championship Rodeo. The kids were enthralled with the spectacle and riders. When the rodeo was over, Hubby and I lost them in the crown pouring out of the arena. It took a bit, but we found them sitting together on a bench, enjoying the live music, and chattering about all they had seen. ❄️#5

While I realize the snowflake situations I shared in this story are all minor compared to issues that can threaten our joy and existence, I believe finding the silver lining when trouble swirls can significantly improve the way we cope and heal with all the problems we face.

There are tougher troubles that pile up and cause avalances of anxiety for me too. The constant concerns about my dad’s cancer, my son’s autoimmune disorder, the health and success of our farm animals, and finding worth in my efforts can all negatively blanket my outlook, but I am determined to see snowflake uniqueness and optimism in seeking solutions.

To kick off 2025, I encourage you to let your joys, fears, and problems flurry around you with optimism and peace. Know that each challenge, experience, and situation is temporary. You are more than capable of weathering any storm if you recognize the unique and strengthening elements in the formation and/or resolution of each deluge. In January, greet your snowflake problems with positive energy and know that your purpose is to face any storm with grace, gratitude, and buoyant intent. Wishing you a New Year full of opportunities to give your energy a positive purpose!

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. Seriously, what’s up with all the U-Turns, Texas?