‘As you start to walk out on the way, the way appears.’
Rumi
As the month of October draws to a close I become even more mindful of the need to commit to my wellbeing. It is a time where nature battens down the hatches and many plants, animals and humans, retreat. A time where light dims early and the desire for the true nature of ‘hygge’ comes in to its own.’
How will you go about creating moments of comfort and light, friendship, and joy in simple things, during this season?
Regardless of the how and your why, the comfort is even more of a treat when you know that you have put the work in. Like any goal and sense of achievement there is always a balance to seek. I was reading an article the other day that suggested that many people, despite the deterrent that is wind and rain, dark and cold still wrap up warm and get outside for walk or run, or both.
What is it that each of those people seeks when they do that?
I confess, despite my commitment to celebrating life by exploring my outdoors, I do have moments of doubt and can readily find an excuse not to do the scheduled activity. It’s pouring down, I will do it tomorrow. I haven’t felt too good this week, I need to take a bit more care of myself. I think I might give it a miss; I can always double up tomorrow. But I know in doing this I miss the point of embracing the season, embracing the beauty that is the outdoors in winter regardless of weather and embracing the sense of joy and achievement that experience leaves me with and the impact it has in all areas of my life. When walking or running I am often quiet. I sometimes ruminate, I sometimes solve problems, I sometimes generate the idea most needed at that time. I also ponder new challenges.
The next one being a huge one. I have a friend that has persuaded me to join her for a cold-water swim in the sea, very soon, minus my wetsuit. She manages and exhilarates in this exposure daily and I must admit I am intrigued. She has promised me the best hot chocolate afterwards! I will try most things at least once, but I cannot help but think that I will return to find solace in a chunky jumper, my woolly hat and scarf and my walking boots or running shoes very soon after.
What is your challenge this winter, and what excites you about it? How will you set yourself up for success and then celebrate that success? Whatever it is, I wish you joy.
‘Of all the paths you take in life, make sure some of them are dirt.’ John Muir
