Slow Motherhood Challenge: Get Outside, No Matter What

There’s an awesome Scandinavian expression that says, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.”

I love it. It motivates me to get past the cold or the rain (or more likely for us in Southern California, the heat) and get outside, no matter what. This winter, I am challenging myself to get outside every single day, no matter what the weather. To “brave” the rain and the cold. And to get outside for a long time.

If you are reading this from somewhere with harder winters, feel free to make a little fun, just a bit. I am the first to admit that I am a weather-wimp. I just do not like being cold. It is one of the top reasons I stayed in Southern California after grad school. I couldn’t imagine another freezing January or rain-every-single-day February. So, here I am.

But, it does rain here occasionally and we do get a few really cold days. And, I am inclined to just stay in, get cozy, watch movies and read books. But, when I do this, we get a very rambunctious toddler just in time for bed time. Not ideal.

So, I am going to “brave” it this year. Each and every day. Again, feel free to roll your eyes.

We are going to get outside, no matter what

I don’t know about you, but for us, getting outside is so important for all of our well-being. I notice that my toddler is a much happier kid when we’ve spent a fair bit of time outside, especially in the morning. My baby seems to just beam when he gets to crawl around in dirt or on grass. And I can feel my mood improving in just five or ten minutes of fresh air. We all need it.

So, this winter, we are going to get outside every day, NO MATTER WHAT. Even if it is pouring down rain, and cold, we will get outside. Yes, again, I realize, it is Southern California, so how bad can it be? Well, to this Southern California girl, it feels pretty cold. And wet. But, we are going to bundle ourselves up and get outside.

We are fully embracing that awesome Scandinavian expression. I recently got both kids full rain gear and am working on finding a few things for myself. We have lots of fun umbrellas that my toddler loves, and my baby is adorably puzzled by the rain. I am even planning a day trip to hike in the snow this year.

No matter what the weather, it is good for all of us to get outside and breathe a little fresh air.

And then, when we come in, we will get super cozy and warm and maybe treat ourselves to some coco. What a wonderful reward for a brisk few hours outside!

So, let’s do it! I hope you’ll join me in this month’s slow motherhood challenge and bundle everyone up and get outside!

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For more Slow Motherhood Challenges, take a look, and then slow down with me.