It is sure easy to hibernate like a bear when winter hits. For those of us who are really not fans of these dark drives to and from work, it can really turn us into couch potatoes. Me included!

 

 

 

 

 

 

It seems crazy how I can live outside in the spring and summer, not even thinking of going inside until 9 or 10 o’clock. Then when winter hits, and I run from house to car, car to work and back home again without considering pausing to take a breath of the fresh winter air. With Family Day being February 20th, I thought this might be the perfect opportunity to get outside with the kids, enjoy some fresh air, get some exercise and try to grab a reminder of the joys of winter!

Our family recently took a day to enjoy some downhill skiing together. The kids go skiing once a year with the school and lets face it, for kids things tend to come easy… nothing really phases them. However, when you have limited skill and experience and are a bit past your (uhhem) 30th birthday, you can visualize the hurt and pain quite vividly. This in turn tends to cause a person to approach the activity with a large degree of caution.  But needless to say, I had a really great time thanks in part to my very thoughtful husband, who stayed with me and pushed me to do a little more than I would have done, if I had been alone. I was dreaming about a day on the bunny hill, with my skis in the pizza wedge position and giving my thighs a great workout but as they say true growth takes place outside of your comfort zone.

The kids had a great time and we all had a chance to spend the day outside getting some fresh air and exercise. I wasn’t even really sore the next day! So keep this in mind for yourself… Everyday I push my kids to do and try new things, why don’t I push myself? Like I say to my kids, you never know if you like something till you try it!

One of my favourite parts of the winter months is the opportunity to partake in warm, creamy and delicious drinks! It’s so easy to doctor up your hot chocolate and apple ciders. These are both drinks that can be enjoyed by all ages and you can easily add in some different spices and adult condiments to make them just to your liking! This too can help take the edge off of the sore body parts to come! Sitting around a big open fire, roasting wieners and marshmallows and sharing stories is the perfect way to bring a great outdoor day to an end.

So bundle up warm (cause us “experienced” folk don’t like to be cold), dress for the weather and you may be surprised how enjoyable a winter’s day can be.  Your overall health and spirits will improve, trust me!

Till next time, It’s That Girl Shannon saying “It’s a lot easier to justify hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps after a day of skiing than after a day of Netflix!”