Why I Really Should Get Out More

So this weekend was what I like to call a Spring teaser – warm temps and lots of sunshine – weather that feels like Spring has sprung even though we probably have at least another month or before Spring gets into full swing here in my neck of the woods.  But still, it was so wonderful to get to spend time outside for a change.  

In fact, the entire past week has been pretty nice for this time of year.  And so last week I finally decided to take my runs outside instead of staying inside on the treadmill.  It’s not that I love the treadmill by any means, it’s just that I hate being cold and I really hate running in the cold north wind.  And I had gotten myself into a pretty comfortable routine – coming home after work, changing into my running clothes, turning on Ellen, and zoning out to the familiar hum of the treadmill. 

But last Wednesday was so gorgeous and I just couldn’t bear the thought of missing out on the pretty afternoon.  Plus I knew that a little fresh air and sunshine would do my body (and mind) some good, so I took off down my favorite trail and got lost in the warm sun and gentle breeze of the afternoon.  That is until I was almost home.  Because I saw this and I literally stopped in my tracks.

I couldn’t believe that maple tree had already started to bud!  And what’s funny is that I was so overcome with joy I could hardly stand it.  Seriously…I was giddy!  And I (again) literally, ran home as fast as I could, got my camera, got in my car, and drove back to this neighborhood to take a few photos. 

And yes people looked at me funny and no I didn’t care one bit.

The whole time I was taking photos I was thinking to myself, “When did this happen??” Which of course the answer was, “Duh, while you were inside on the treadmill watching Ellen.” 

I suppose it’s true that I have been in pretty serious hibernation mode for the past few months.  Part of it is the time of year, and I’m sure part of it is also because I’m pretty much a homebody.  I’ve been enjoying the quiet time at home and my tea and comfortable winter routine.  And it’s not that there’s anything wrong with that at all…it’s just that I think I was starting to creep into hermit territory.  Which isn’t such a good place for me.

I hadn’t really noticed it until last weekend when I spent time with my girl and our friends.  And then running on Wednesday and spending time at my parents’ on Friday.  And I have to say, once I finally got myself out of the house… it was so nice to BE out of the house. 

Similarly, it was so wonderful to be outside all weekend soaking up the wonderful sunshine.  And although it’s still a little too early to do much serious gardening right now, I took the opportunity to do a little garden clean up.  While I was down on the ground cutting back some of the dead stems and stalks on my perennials, I just happened to notice that were little green shoots starting to come up! 

And even my peony is starting to bud!

It’s always amazing the discoveries you can make when you get down on your knees, don’t you think??

So anyway, the more I thought about my life, the more I realized that I wasn’t just hibernating to avoid winter…I’ve been hibernating from world in general to some degree.  It’s just such a scary place sometimes and I’ve come to love my small life and the safety and comfort of my little nest. 

The only problem with staying inside is there are some things I want to do, and in order to do them I am going to have to venture outside my little safety zone.  Expand my life a bit.  Which is one of the intentions I have invited with my One Little Word.  It’s not an easy thing for me at all, but I know it’s going to be OK.  There’s warm sunshine and so much to hope for.  And the best part is that it’s right in my own backyard.

Peace, Kelly