Play Outside!

If you have lived in Michigan this winter you know it has been a long snowy winter. I have never experienced a winter quite like this one. I’m from Springfield, IL, where it is rare to get six inches at once. Even though there have been days where I thought the winter would never end, I know spring is right around the corner. I have learned the importance of enjoying the snow and embracing the weather. Although it has been bitterly cold, I have still enjoyed being outside. The snow is absolutely gorgeous as a white fresh blanket covers the ground.

A couple of weeks ago my friend Lydia and I braved the 7 degree weather and decided to go on a hike at Riley Trails. The trails are about a 15-minute drive from Hope. We maneuvered our way through the trees and explored new paths. When we walked off the paths we would sink into the snow above our knees.

We even thought it would be a good idea to climb a tree and look out at all of the trees gleaming with sunlight. I felt like a kid again climbing trees and enjoyed being carefree. After we finished our long hike at the trails, we made our way to a school’s playground and played there for an hour. We swung on the swings as the bitter cold wind swept across our faces. However, the wind did not seem too daunting because the sun’s rays were beaming fully. I truly appreciated winter that day and was thankful I took time to be carefree and just enjoy my surroundings exactly as they were. I encourage everyone to embrace winter and bundle up to spend some time outdoors.