The Secret

So, I accidentally published this post before writing anything aside from the title. I thought myself hilarious for doing so. I highly considered leaving it blank, so all it would be was "The Secret" thus intensely piquing your curiosity, but then I decided that kind of defeats the point of the whole post, since I had specific intentions in writing it, so here I am...

When I was a substance abuse therapist, I once had some coworkers who were insanely interested in "The Secret"-a popular book and movie. "The Secret" basically claims to have the key to all success and happiness and plays off of the law of attraction-you know...you put out enough vibes that you want a new bike, and it will show up on your doorstep. Or more realistically, if you want something bad enough and focus your positive energy on it, it can happen. The jury is still out on this whole concept for me, and I think most of it's bogus, but I do think parts of it seem accurate.

Anyway, neither that book or movie are the point of this post...just where I got the name for it. The point of this post is that I have learned the secret of having the ideal fall and winter. During the first week of November, I started reading Facebook posts from many of my northern-dwelling friends about the newfound snow that had been arriving. I shivered slightly upon reading it, then realized it was unnecessary. I read another post of a friend mentioning she was listening to Christmas music and almost laughed until I realized it really was November. Why? Because I am living the secret for the ideal fall and winter.

What is this secret, you may ask? The answer is simple-one that should be easily understood by most: I live in the the greater metropolitan area of Phoenix, Arizona. This isn't rocket science, folks. I read those wintry Facebook posts, then smiled to myself and walked outside to a lovely 82 degrees, sounds of children playing in the palm tree-surrounded pool, and birds chirping merrily in the trees. I thought to myself, "This, this right here is the reason I live in Arizona." Sometimes I forget that I live in paradise, so this was a good reminder.

All of a sudden, the holidays seemed like an exciting thing! I can celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas without shoveling or sweeping snow off of my car! I can eat some turkey and then go for a swim (as it turns out, your body metabolizes food when you exercise after eating). I can go watch the Christmas lights and still feel my face. The prospects are endless.

So, for those of you still on the lookout for the remedy to the winter blues, I have the answer. Move to Arizona-piece of cake. Problem solved. Or, you can at least come for a visit-I have a really comfortable couch you can sleep on.