And then it snowed...Again

Well, it's no surprise I am talking about the weather turning cold again.  It seems it is included in everyone person's conversation, and rightly so.  However, I have chosen to be in Northern Minnesota, and I am not going to complain about the weather.  I am going to embrace it.  And realize that it is part of God's beautiful creation I talked about last time.

It seems like whenever there is a large storm--or in some cases in North Dakota, a flood--it is my cue to get out there and explore.  Back in college at UND we had a couple of times where the warnings told us to stay inside because of the cold/wind, where apparently frost bite could occur within seconds.  Of course, it's fun to have a snow day and stay inside, watch movies, drink hot cocoa, make popcorn..oh yeah and study.  But for some reason it gives me the itch to get outside and investigate for myself.

It is undoubtedly harder to motivate in the winter.  I would be happy if it lasted 3 months for cross-country skiing and then it was over.  But that's not how it works.  When I lived in Wisconsin the weather wasn't as harsh, and it was really fun to go out on a clear night, even if it was just for an exploratory walk after work.  It was often pitch black, but the shining stars were awe-inspiring.  Sometimes that's all it takes--is to just get out there.  It can open up our eyes and our minds to more than we knew possible.  It can refresh our spirits and guaranteed, relieve any stress.

It is good to push ourselves a little, and even sweat in the winter.  It's always that much more comforting afterward to snuggle up with a warm blanket and cup of hot cocoa.  And, of course, it's fun to cook/bake both before and after these little excursions.  I am going to include 2 really good recipes in my next post.

Sometimes we just need a little push!  And it shouldn't be a push to go do something miserable like running on a treadmill, staring at the wall.  But it should be a push to go out and enjoy the elements, leading to positive emotions and hopefully a much needed epiphany that can come through after.  Much of my greatest ideas have come from my excursions, runs, walks, skis--this blog being one of the epiphanies--aren't you glad?

Most importantly, it should be FUN.  It should be something you want to do and that feels good to you.  For some people it's just shoveling.  For some it's just playing outside.  Walking.  Running.  Skiing.  Talking on the phone.  Listening to music.  Listening to the sounds of nature.  Whatever your fancy--alone or with someone else--let it be something that brings you happiness. 

So here is your push.  Get out there: go find the meaning of something, alleviate stress, breathe in the fresh air, embrace the cold!  You won't reget it, I promise.