Fit in the City ~ Leigh Ann Root
Embrace the Season
Before I met my husband I had little interest in being outside during the winter. Fortunately, for me, I married an outdoorsman. Whatever the season, he finds a way to enjoy it. After my husband finished equipping me with "cold weather clothing", he reminded me of the fun that can be had. We began snow shoeing together and I rediscovered the beauty of New England in the winter months. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. It's not like downhill skiing, where real skill is required. I'm so thankful I found the joy of winter again, especially before my son was born. Otherwise, we might be locked up in the house for months during this wintertime! We'd probably drive each other crazy!
When you live in this neck of the woods, you must embrace the seasons to fully appreciate living here. Your quality of life improves greatly, once you do this. By looking forward to seasons changing, instead of dreading them, you create a better way of thinking. Change can always be good if we accept it and see the good. Winters can be long and especially long if you're just longing for them to be over! Counting the days until Spring is not considered a particularly rewarding activity. Many people dwell on the negatives winter can bring, instead of looking at the good that comes. Let me take this opportunity to remind you of a few things you can try to pay attention to as the temperatures drop; the beautiful landscapes after a snow fall, icicles, having a white Christmas, snowmen, all the winter sport possibilities, and, of course, the wonderful warmth of your home after being out in the crisp cold air. And that's just the tip of the winter iceberg! Here's a healthy tip, too, your body works harder for you in the cold weather. It burns more fuel. One more reason to get out into the cold!
Living in New England, we should celebrate the seasons as they comes along. Otherwise, what's the point of living here? Can you imagine living in a climate that is the same all the time? How uneventful and boring this must become. Part of living healthy, is having a healthy attitude about where you live. Life is not long enough, to live in an area that isn't compatible to you.
Let's face it, it can be difficult during this season, as daylight shrinks. We begin to miss that valuable sun and the many ways it brightens our days. I can certainly understand why some get depressed. Understandably, especially if they're locking themselves inside, afraid of the outdoors. If I'm describing you, try gearing up and getting out. Play like a kid again?
Last week, my son and I were out playing in the snow, it brought back memories of my own childhood and the happiness of carefree days. I was reminded, again, how lucky we are to live here. I realized how we get busy and sometimes take it for granted. I'm not sure who had more fun outside, my son or me! I can't wait for the next snowfall. There are other perks to the winter play with children. Kids can't move as fast with their big boots, coats and snow pants on! Adults can keep up. Pulling them on sleds gives us a little unexpected workout (which I'm not too proud to count in as some of my physical activity for the week). And the big reward, they play harder outside, which in turn, means napping longer! It's all good.
I think it's important that we all look at winter's arrival through "rose colored glasses". Why not? How hard is it to really enjoy? Try not to waste anymore energy complaining about it, we can't change it! Just accept. Don't forget how sweet the Springtime feels when it does arrive, we certainly feel like we've earned it and deserve it. Our seasons make life more interesting.
If you've been dreading this time of the year, try changing your mindset to one of anticipation. The season will bring many joys that can only be discover while living here in New England. Try getting out this season, it might be just the thing you need! My advice, go make a snow angel. I did!
