EMBRACING A CANADIAN WINTER

Helps the winter to pass. Since I have started to walk to work and play with my grandchildren in the snow, I find the season passes quicker. Ice skating- on indoor rinks or outdoor ponds, skiing, snow boarding, or sledding and tobogganing down a favourite hill are activities enjoyed by young and old. Ice fishing and snowmobiling are rural necessities. One of our family members is trying to make an outdoor rink in their yard so I may even try ice skating again- but now need to buy a helmet so I am a good role model for the little ones. The garden being dormant gives time to pursue the indoor tasks. Closet cleaning, an exercise routine, writing projects and sitting reading a book or working on a craft are some of the things on my calendar. Do you find yourself trying to find enjoyable pursuits? This time of year also brings the boredom factor. The busyness from the Christmas season behind us often leaves a void. A good slap in the face from the cold can be invigorating! Needing to bundle up and embrace the season gets the juices flowing! Are you fed up with winter already? Are you trying to find ways to use the time? Remember like all the seasons it is always with us. It will pass quicker if you approach it with some enthusiasm! Now get dressed and go outside to face the cold!

IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

Since I started to walk to and from work all year round, the seasonal changes do not bother me anymore. By spending 20 minutes outdoors each way, it really is not a long time to be outside and is actually refreshing. What surprises me is the whining this time of year about how cold it is! It's winter in Canada and it is supposed to be cold. Some people work outside for hours every day. Sports enthusiasts will spend time on ski slopes, outdoor rinks skating or even jogging for hours. Then why do so many complain about their little run from their car to a heated building. My grandchildren are learning to enjoy the winter activities. They want to be outside. I remember as a little girl loving to have snow. Wanting to go skating. Enjoying the family outings tobogganing with a thermos of hot chocolate and cookies as the snack. So when does it change that winter becomes a drag! For years when I had to drive in bad weather, I really hated it too! Then I decided it is a season that comes around every year. By venturing into it, it does seem to go faster. Actually walking in snow or outside in the cold does burn more calories! Are you one of those whiners- it's cold outside!