I’m kind of over winter.
And this is really bad because, astronomically speaking, it hasn’t even started yet.
Right now, I’m in my defiance phase. I go through this every year when the cold weather sets in. At first, I called it my denial phase, but that’s not quite right. I fully acknowledge it’s cold. I know the temperature will slap me in the face the moment I step outside. But I still refuse to wear a coat.
Why? Honestly, I don’t want to. I don’t want to bundle up. Maybe it’s my way of resisting the season itself—like I’m refusing to fully surrender to winter’s demands.
Of course, this changes nothing except my own comfort. And yet, I persist. I tell myself it’s because I’m only walking to the car or popping into the grocery store. The walks are short, I say. No need for all that effort. What a thoroughly Midwestern excuse.
But here’s the kicker: my fellow Midwesterners? They’ve succumbed. And it’s to their benefit. They’ve embraced their coats, their scarves, their gloves. Meanwhile, I’m still out here in my little rebellion, shivering on principle.
Why do I insist on having this winter defiance phase every year? I don’t know. But I do know it won’t last. Eventually, I’ll pull out my coat like a sensible person, zip it up, and brave the season the way I’m meant to.
Until then, I’ll keep marching through this odd ritual of resistance.
What about you? Do you have any little rebellions like this? A defiance phase of your own? Let me know. I’d love to hear it.
— Renee Roederer
Smuggling Grace 