It’s been a long twelve months, right?  We somehow made it through last spring and then summer didn’t seem so bad.  We got out of our homes, took walks, went to parks, and got some good fresh air.  Then fall arrived; my favorite time of year.  The smells of the leaves, the crispness in the air, and the beauty of the season were wonderful.

I knew we were in for a long, cold dark winter and I told myself to be ready for it.  Sit by the fire, read good books, drink tea, take naps.  It all sounded like a really good plan, and it worked for a while.  But winter tends to drag on.  We are more isolated in our homes, missing friends and family.  I found myself feeling sad and edgy.  Then I stumbled upon a Norwegian saying.  “No bad weather; just bad clothes”.  Could that be my answer to getting my behind off the couch and getting back outside?  You have to know, I really dislike cold and dark.  I long for warm and sunny. 

So I decided to lean into my Norwegian side.  (Side note:  I’ve always been told my heritage is 100% Dutch.  A couple years ago I did one of those DNA tests and found out I’m actually 33% Scandinavian!)  I got out the warmest clothes I could find and headed out the front door.  To my surprise, I discovered that it doesn’t matter the weather, unless of course it is storming, the fresh air and daylight are a must for my mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing. 

If you are feeling stuck; if you are feeling isolated; if you are feeling like you are in the midst of a long, dark winter, bundle up and head outdoors.  Feed your lungs the fresh air they need, meditate, pray, contemplate the Lenten season and what it means for us all, and see if you too don’t feel so much better after you do.   Easter, spring, and the season of new birth are just around the corner!

Shared by Tena Bos