Exercise and Outdoors

 These are two things I am very passionate about…and even try to do them together.  Being outdoors helps me reset and ground my soul while connecting with nature. Whether it is going on a walk, working in my garden or hiking in the wilderness. I thrive when I connect with the outdoors.  I enjoy the changing of the seasons, nature allows my mind to focus on the present moment and what is around me. Getting outside promotes Vitamin D as well!

When we first moved to Ohio I wasn’t sure how I was going to to accomplish this….the weather was not near as sunny as Colorado. Plus it rained all the time…after 5 years I finally decided to purchase an umbrella and was given some good rain boots as a gift, which helped immensely. I became accustomed to the rain…I even actually enjoy the moisture, most of the time.  I like to get out each day even if it is a short walk.  

During my wilderness therapy days when I worked as a field instructor in Utah, I worked 8 days on 24 hours a day and 6 days off. I lived outside for those 8 days and learn to embrace and surrender to natures elements. We cannot control the weather. This is a metaphor for a lot of areas in my life, focus on the things I can control such as my response, attitude and actions.

I do have  a gym membership but when the weather is nice I enjoying working-out outside. …I will lift weights t in my backyard to spend time outdoors or go for a run. For me exercise helps balance my mood and energize my spirit,  besides helping me feel strong.