With Spring coming soon, rainy days are inevitably upon us. I know, I know. Who enjoys dodging filthy puddles that accumulate on the edges of the sidewalk on the way to class? You are most likely running late, cursing yourself for forgetting your umbrella, and now you have to worry about whether or not your laptop will survive tucked within your drenched backpack.

So, maybe we don't necessarily love everything about the rain. However, perhaps there are a few things that we especially love on rainy days.

1. Staring out a Window

Something is special about being from "the inside looking out"--literally--and watching the raindrops slide down the glass. If nothing else, staring out a window when it is cold and dreary outside suddenly prompts us to appreciate the warmth and safety of being inside.

2. Soft Music

Perhaps soft music just fittingly suits the quiet, reflective tone that a rainy day sets for us. Jazz, anyone?

3. Cozy Blankets

There is no feeling quite like that of being protected beneath layers of warm blankets from the cold air outside.

4. A Tragic Book or Movie

We are all-too familiar with how rain stereotypically often accompanies moments of sadness in films and media. The atmosphere of a cold, rainy day somehow reflects the tragedy and pain that we feel in a way that words cannot describe.

5. A Warm Mug of Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate

Because what easier, tastier way is there to warm a chilled throat and downcast spirit?

6. Creating

Maybe because gloomy weather, again, triggers our innermost emotions, the cold and dreary rain often inspires us to manifest those emotions through creating art, music, or even meaningful conversation with others.

7. Reflection

While most of us enjoy the energy and excitement that accompanies the sunshine, we also need the gentle quiet that rainy days invite us to embrace. In the quiet, we can pause and reflect on ourselves and on the course we are setting for our lives.

Truly, the gloomy gray skies and cold, wet weather may not be ideal for leisurely strolls. Yet, most of us have to admit that from time to time, we welcome the "rainy day" mood and the little things in life that fit that mood best.