2 Degrees

I’m not talking about small changes leading to bigger improvements as in 1 degree of change each day. Those are fine and have their place. But it’s not what I’m talking about today.

I’m not talking about 2 degrees of separation – as in you know someone who knows someone. That’s a fun game, but again, not what I’m talking about.

I’m talking about 2 degrees, as in the temperature. 2 degrees Fahrenheit.

That’s cold. that’s what the temperature was this morning when I took the dog out to do his business and then go for a run.

2 degrees offers a variety of lessons that seem appropriate for our current state of affairs.

Here’s my take aways:

First, I didn’t choose the temperature to be so cold. That is out of my control. I have a choice though in how I approach it. I’m someone who prefers colder weather to warmer weather. I have a saying – You can always put more layers on, but you can only take so much off. For me, it’s how I approach the weather, make adjustments, and go.

Second, I went for a run. Yes, outside. My original goal was 4 miles. I dressed appropriately, and off I went. A mile in I was feeling pretty good, with just my face a little cold. 1.5 miles in is where I decided to turn around. I was starting to form ice crystals on my beard. That’s a good sign that I should finish up. The rest of my body was comfortable. I ended up doing 3 miles and was glad I did. I looked like Santa Claus though when I came in.

The lesson here is that there are things outside of our control. And things that we can control – especially how we respond to our environment. Know the difference. And be open to making adjustments.

Third, 2 degrees is potentially dangerous, if you aren’t careful. You don’t go into 2 degrees without thinking through how to deal with it. You don’t just carry on as you had before either. Both of those things can cause some serious damage or worse. You adjust, you communicate with people on what you are doing, and figure out what makes sense for you.

The lesson is that no what is going on, you need to use your critical thinking skills. You need to understand what’s happening, the “game” that is actually being played and what the rules are the people imposing the “game” on others are using. And then decide how you are going to respond or interact. There are serious costs for getting this wrong, for yourself and for others. You aren’t going to change those imposing on people. But you don’t want to come the very thing that you are fighting against either. You are you. Be true to yourself and what you value. The cold will do what the cold will do. But you don’t have to become the cold.

Fourth, when it’s 2 degrees outside, there are very few people who come out. And when they do, they don’t stay outside very long. That’s just reality.

The lesson is that more often than not, you are going to feel very alone in these times – going out and speaking up and naming reality and an alternative way to be. There’s plenty of people who will be supportive from the comforts of the heat in the house. They will say good things about you, watching you, but not go out to join you. Not everyone can handle the cold, for some, it’s just too dangerous. Find the others who do venture out. And don’t look down on those who don’t. They didn’t ask for the cold either. They’d like to be outside. And then do your thing.

There’s plenty of lessons in 2 degrees. Plenty that 2 degrees can teach us with how to live in our current circumstances.