This week, I was beginning to think I was turning into one of those winter haters. It’s my fourth winter in Rochester and I was certain before moving here that I was not one of “those” people who would let a little weather get me down. I’d celebrate and frolic and play, despite the grey or cold. But I was beginning to doubt myself, as I wallowed in self-inflicted winter pity.

Last weekend, we were at a dinner party and a friend was telling me about her UV light and that she’s now using it on her kids. She wasn’t sure if it worked because it worked, or because it was a placebo effect. We determined it didn’t matter, as long as it provided the psychological and physiological boost to counteract the winter blues. Others chimed in about Vitamin D supplements, daily walks to breathe in the air (and soak up what natural D could penetrate that little oval of face left open to the elements) and finding a bit of beauty in something every day, regardless of the conditions. (It’s that latter one that stuck with me, but we’ll get to that in a minute.)

The research into what makes people happy is a frequent topic of discussion in our house and among our friends. We talked a lot about it when we were deciding where to move, shifting priorities and gears to live a more balanced life. And assuming your basic needs are met, your social connections — friends, family, activities — are what matter more than money, material belongings and (believe it or not) weather.

Did you see that sky today, people?! That was some special Rochester magic.

So my crappy winter-blaming mood began to crack Wednesday night when I walked by the bathtub and saw my son’s Captain America costume laid ever so carefully on the towel rack and floor, as if the superhero himself had laid his outfit and accessories there ready for the next crises. My friend’s comment about finding a bit of beauty in something every day jumped to my mind. I grabbed my camera and took a picture. (I’ve decided simply noting those moments can change your perspective and snapping a photo is an easy way to do that.)

When I awoke Thursday, I learned that my friend’s grandmother had passed away and she was overcome with sadness. As I read about this free-spirited woman who had a major influence on the reason my friend adores life the way she does, I remembered that life is all about the moments of joy. I snapped out of my own boo-hoo-it’s-grey-outside-ness and paid my friend a visit the next day with homemade cookies (something I never do) and cheer to remind her that life is good. And, in so doing, it reminded me too.

As I watched the big beautiful snow fall outside my office window Friday, I couldn’t help but be in awe of it. And this morning, I walked out the door to take in a little sunshine and found myself thinking “Oh great, the plow skipped us again…. Oh good, dog poop; that will be awesome in the thaw… Who left a grotty bag of trash in the middle of the street… what is wrong with peop–”

Then BAM. I looked up and saw the most amazingly blue cloudless sky I have ever seen. I have no idea if it was really some special New Mexico-style blue or if it seemed super blue against the trees that were still laden with beautiful fluffy white snow. It didn’t matter. I mean, Holy Shiz, people! Did you see that sky today?! That was some special Rochester magic. You don’t get that just anywhere.

Some days are easier than others to find that bit of beauty in something every day. But it’s there. And today was a good reminder that life is good. Even in winter.