Opinion: Everyone deserves an occasional 'snow day'

There is no collection of English consonants and vowels that will make a soul applaud like, “It’s a snow day!”

You remember. The falling snow announced the cancellation of spelling tests, the mindless memorization of multiplication tables and competing for the affections of Vicki Wooster (the best-looking girl in class).

With the soundless wonder of a white blanket being dropped over my loud and heaving childhood world, I got to stop my frantic “I need to grow up” dance without apology.

For just a few hours, the whole world stared out windows on a gauzy landscape that silently yelled, “Time out!”

Snow days: what a wonderful, guiltless meteorological excuse to just stop.

Need a snow day?

Well, I cannot control the weather (even though I have tried on a golf course several times) but I do have 10 simple ways to create your own snow day.

First, begin each day by getting up 20 minutes before anyone else in your home. Make the coffee the night before so all you have to do is turn it on and then get that steaming cup of java, wrap your cold legs under you on a sofa and … stare.

Give your mind and spirit a few uninterrupted minutes to just process the day ahead.

Second, when at work or home, weather permitting, take a break by walking outside. No conversations, no answering cell phones, no clicking out an e-mail on a Blackberry … just walk out during your break time while reminding yourself you are privileged to be alive.

Third, carry 3-by-5-inch index cards and take a minute, when it strikes you, to write down something creative. It could be a phrase you want to include in a letter, the beginning of a poem to your child or a description of a purpled-dappled sunrise in the Ozarks.

Words are the language of our souls. To capture them at the moment of their episodic birth will make your brain applaud.

Fourth, call your answering machine or voicemail and leave yourself a new idea. Just knowing you are still capable of creating something out of nothing will glue you to something divine.

Fifth, listen to literary books on cassette or CD while driving around in your car. Your mind will get back into the storyline in nanoseconds and all of a sudden you realize your brain is on vacation.

I do not recommend listening to business books in your car unless you are driving to Fargo or Fresno. Business books on CD or cassette are work. You need a snow day.

Sixth, eat something pleasurable. I am not talking about an entire box of Krispy Kremes or Godiva chocolates. How about a bite-size Reese’s Cup or apple? Eating something that delights our taste buds is a great way to take a mini vacation between our ears.

Seventh, stop and talk to a child. Yeah, I know, you do not have time for this. You have places to go, deals to make and people to see. The problem is you are losing your ability to be authentic if you cannot have a meaningful conversation with a 4-year-old.

Eighth, take a power nap. Don’t you love that expression, “power nap”? Now, there is an oxymoron.

It is possible to train yourself to close your eyes and actually sleep for about five to 10 minutes and wake up totally refreshed. Believe me, the older you get, the more this suggestion will appeal to you.

Ninth, take the long way home. That’s right, intentionally do not try to save time by taking the shortcut … drive another way and see parts of your neighborhood you have never traveled. It will be a 10-minute vacation.

Finally, if none of these suggestions appeal to you, adopt the tried and proven method: Make yourself sick. There are some of us overachievers who cannot say to our world, “I’m really tired and need a snow day.”

So we keep working 18 hours a day knowing our immune system will come crashing down and then catch any disease marauding through the Ozarks right now.

Making ourselves sick is an acceptable way to say, “I need a break.”

Create your own weather today. Even for just a few minutes, it can be a “snow day.”

Cal LeMon of Executive Enrichment Inc. solves organizational problems with customized training and consulting.