It's that time of year again where Christmas is over...the beauty of the January snow is fading...and we are all getting antsy to see grass again.
If you are feeling a little down, here are a few ideas to spice up the last few weeks of Winter.
1. Get those boots on & go for a hike/walk:
When I found out that I was going to have the day off today AND the weather was going to be nice, I knew I wanted to spend the entire day with my 7 month old yellow lab/ golden retriever, named Louie. So this afternoon Lou and I hopped in the car and went to Levis mound (hiking trail near Neillsville, WI). I have NEVER seen anyone so happy & excited as Lou Ball when he jumped out of the car and was overwhelmed with sniffs to sniff! Seriously, if you are finding yourself with the winter blues.....I will let you borrow Louie for a day. The fresh/crisp air, sunshine, sounds of birds, and beautiful nature, instantly brought happiness to my heart, and then seeing how excited Louie was running around...now that was priceless. Here are a few pictures from our day. I had to add the one where I caught Louie licking the snow off his nose. :)
2. Send a letter to a friend, grandparent, sibling, cousin, etc.
Who doesn't like to get mail...& you never know where that may lead.
3. Look up a new recipe & get in that kitchen
If you want....invite people over to enjoy it with you....or if you're like me....invite people over to help laugh about how much more practice you need in the kitchen. I just bought a cute apron which makes being in the kitchen a little more fun!
4. Go to the nearest library
Even if you don't love to read....there are magazines, movies, tapes, etc. Think of something you want to learn more about!
5. Get a group together to have a snowball fight
Let's be honest....we're all children at heart.
6. Do a random act of kindness
I don't know about you, but making someone else smile, makes me smile. Plus, it can be something as simple as leaving a positive note on a random car.
7. Buy bright nail polish and give yourself a manicure
Sorry boys...you can go buy something little that makes you happy.
8. Plan a trip!
Big or small. Just the excitement of waiting for the trip to happen is fun!
9. Go to an antique store and find a treasure
It gets you out of the house and you never know what you will find, or who you will meet.
10. Go for a drive, blast the music, and sing at the top of your lungs
Enough said.
11. Make a list of everything you are thankful for
Try not to waste time thinking of the things you DON'T have and focus on what you DO have. Like heat in your house, a winter coat to keep you warm, food on the table.
We all just need to take a minute to think of the little things that make us happy. Notice that you don't need a lot of money for these things (unless you plan a big trip) and you don't necessarily always need other people to do these things. You create your own happiness & while you're out there embracing the winter, be reassured that this snow will melt away before we know it & then we can enjoy jumping in the puddles!
