I remember as a kid how much I anticipated the first snow. I would start looking at the sky in early November to see signs of flakes. For me, winter brought a whole new world of possibilities and play - snow forts, sledding, skiing, snowballs!

I remember how I awed at each unique snowflake. My red mittens were best capturing and examining each flake. When I’d find a really amazing one (aren’t they all amazing?!), I’d run inside to show my mom.

Speaking of Mom, I grew up in a house that had a “20-minute outside rule.” No matter what the weather, my brothers and I had to play outside for at least 20-minutes a day. In Minnesota, that can be pretty harsh. (OK, there were a few minus 20 days that Mom didn’t stick to the rule.) My brothers and I had to find creative ways to keep busy, and warm. What those 20-minutes gave me was an appreciation in each of the seasons, especially finding the wonder in winter.

I am one of the few “grown-ups” I know who still cannot wait for the first snow. Here it is the week after Thanksgiving, and still no snow! Most adults are delighted. I am waiting.

When the snow finally comes, I will stop everything, run outside, check out the snowflakes. I can’t wait to get out my skis and head out onto the trails. There is nothing like a freshly groomed cross-country ski trail after a new snow. It is a spiritual experience for me. I can appreciate the white sparkling snow, the bright blue sky – wonders of winter.

I am hoping the same love is passed down to my kids, who sled in our yard on an inch of snow and build snow forts as high as possible. There is something very empowering about taking even the coldest winter day and making it “wonder full.”

- Wendy Lutter
Empoword Co-CEO (Chief Empowerment Officer)