Rain Pains

Yes, I know I slacked over the weekend, and it's only been one week, but in my defense, I did say that I couldn't guarantee a daily post, only that I'd try to. The weekend got a little busy, so I failed at the daily thing, but I don't think anyone really cares. So whatever.

Today, it rained. And it was that really obnoxious rain that makes it look like it's kind of misty and barely raining, but by the time you walk two blocks, you're already soaked. That kind of rain. And, as any city-goer knows, umbrellas are a futile effort, so you've just gotta tough it out.

I look outside the window after I wake up late and realize the state of the weather. I do NOT want to go to class. But, I get myself out of bed and sport a wool hat (they're good at keeping the water out), a hoodie with the hood pulled over my hat, and my pea coat. I look down at the perfect angle to shield my face from the rain but to also be aware of what is coming up ahead. I don't want to get poked in the face by someone's umbrella, seeing as everyone who does choose to sport one fails to realize it is an attachment to themselves and recklessly wave them at fellow pedestrian's eyes.

Even with all my protection and my perfect defense angle, the wind seemed to pick the rain up and whip it right at my face. Directly. Head on. From a downward angle. If I looked up to lessen the blow, the wind decided to blow the rain horizontally. I turned corners and walked down streets I knew to be less windy than others. Nope, no difference. Everywhere I went, the wind and the rain kept attacking me. All the while, I keep thinking I should've just stayed back home where it was dry and warm.

I finally get to class and our pre-class discussion consists of everyone sharing the same sentiment. We all sat, half-joking and half-infuriated with Mother Nature. The weather seemed to love messing around with us, if not just simply hate us. The professor walks in and class begins, and thankfully, it was a very interesting and heated class discussion.

As class ended, I put all my gear back on and prepared myself for the battle I was about to forge in my attempt to get back home. I angle my head down, adjust my hood and hat, brace myself for impact, and step outside of the building. But nothing happened. It was still raining, just as hard as it had been before, yet it wasn't attacking me. It was just gently dancing this time. It was less vicious, more inviting. And the wind never once picked up on my way back. The only gusts there were were on my back, helping me get home faster and easier.

Once I got back and changed into dry clothes, I thought about it. Nature put up such a fight, trying desperately to deny me the chance to go anywhere. But once I battled through it, it sent me on my way back home with no objections.

This can be seen as a "home will always welcome you back, don't be afraid to go back home" sort of thing, I suppose. But I see it more like "Fight through it, persevere" sort of thing. I thought so many times about not going or turning around, but I just went anyway. As it turned out, I had two very great classes today, despite the trouble it took to get there. You can sit at home and remain status quo, no harm done. But pushing through it, surviving the struggle, and working towards something will reward you. It may be small, it may not even be apparent at first, but some tiny reward will result from the fight. So always battle. Always fight. Keep going and push through it. I know walking through rain is the lamest universal metaphor for the struggles that life can bring about, but it's still applicable. Just keep pushing forward. If you can't, home will be there waiting and the walk back will be fine. But you'll never know what could've been unless you just dive into the forward motion.

Stay strong,
The A.S.S.