Tomorrow, December 21st is officially the first day of winter and we’ve already received a record amount of the white stuff. Snow takes me back to some fond and playful memories of my childhood. I get sentimental for snow angels, orange slush made with the freshly fallen snow, sledding down hills, snow ball fights, and building igloos and snow forts. I have memories of being outdoors for hours on end in the winter. Snow or bad weather rarely stopped me from gettting out or getting down for that matter.
Today it’s a different story. I love the beauty and excitement of the first snow fall. However, once it storms on a weekly basis, the winter begins to wear at me. The older I get, the harder it is to deal with the elements on a daily basis. The simple act of taking a brisk walk, suddenly becomes hazardous. Getting and staying outdoors becomes a challenge, especially on windy, bitter cold and icy days.
What does one do? Give in to the cold and stay indoors and wait until spring, or does one bundle up and head out to the elements? I say we do both. I used to love running in the winter. It was one of the most exhilarating activities that I looked forward to with delight. Since I no longer run and I don’t ski, doesn’t mean there aren’t alternatives. This year I will strap on a pair of snowshoes and brave the elements. Into the wild I will go!
