Wednesday, January 21, 2015

This Weekend We / Took It Outside

This weekend I did something pretty out of the ordinary for myself: I scheduled my time. I knew that there were lots of things that I wanted to do, a few things that I needed to do, and some other things that I should do.

Generally, I am not much of a list maker or a scheduler. I usually have a rough idea of what I want to happen, but  it is never put pen to paper.  I am easily distracted, and sometimes, the time just gets away from me, or my energy gives out, or the lure of doing nothing overcomes me.

But not this weekend. I wanted to keep my resolve to get outside, and I made sure it happened, and then I packed in everything else around those hours I carved out for fresh air and dirt.

Some families seem to have figured it out, the whole living life out of doors thing. I admire them but sometimes feel a little inadequate, like I'm failing, afraid we might spend too much time within four walls. But the truth is, I really like these four walls. And I like the time spent within them. But I know that it's better for our moods and our health and our overall wellbeing to get the heck out. So that's just what we did. 

Friday afternoon was spent at the beach that feels a little like an extension of our backyard. Saturday we spent time wandering my sister's farm before a birthday party that impressively featured lots of great outdoor fun for kids, no small feat when it comes to January in Maryland. Sunday we snuck in an evening marsh walk after the rain cleared.

The beauty of this resolution is that it gets easier as the year marches forward. Come spring, we end up outside without much thought or effort, but for now, I'll do my best to schedule it in, to make the effort to be one of those families.

3 comments:

  1. I agree, in and out can be equally compelling right now. That last photo of the kids is really wonderful. And the sand - I thought it was snow!

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  2. I thought Sena was one of your sisters in the first shot! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

    Nice nature-breathing! :)

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  3. Gus is going to end up killing one of my chickens. Between him and the fox chasing them down. No eggs for you!

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