Winter Walks: Finding Joy in the Cold

It’s so good to get outside for a walk, even in the winter. I know it’s hard when it’s cold and you are all snuggled up warm inside your house. Maybe take along your phone or camera to catch a snapshot of the snow, trees, sun, or something else that catches your eye. Then later when you look back at it, you’ll be glad you made yourself go outside. You will feel a little more energized. You know walking is good for you, so why is it so hard to bring yourself to do it? Don’t think too long about it, just put on your boots, and coat and walk out the door. Even if you just go get the mail, take your time, look around. Notice things around you. Do you hear any birds? Do you see any animals? Can you wave to a neighbor? Are there any pretty clouds in the sky?

When you go back inside, feel the warmth and appreciate it. Smell any food? Be thankful for it. Are there any toys on the floor? Thank God for the blessing of children. Is there dirty laundry sitting around? Be grateful you have clothes to wear. Dirty dishes in the sink? Be glad you have running water to wash them and a house to live in. So many people don’t even have the basics. If we compare ourselves to anyone, it should be to those who have less than us. Try to be thankful for what you have and take care of the things you have. If you don’t like your car, wash it, vacuum it, make sure there’s oil in the engine and antifreeze in the radiator. Treat it like it’s an expensive car and you might be surprised how your attitude can change. If you don’t like your job, try to be thankful you have one and it’s helping provide for you. Many things are common place, but if we change our perspective, we can “see the glass as half full”, instead of half empty.