Discover Joy in the Little Things

The crisp morning air envelops as booted feet trod on the winter road. Snow falling like cloudy tears all around, covering the mountaintops and valley floor. The tantalizing scent of fresh bread in the oven while bustling around the kitchen and a captivating book while curled up in a woolen blanket.  These are the simple pleasures in my life and I wake each morning grateful for all of the blessings, all of the joys, the sorrows, the experiences. It’s all of the little things in life that shape who we are and who will yet become. Peace is the greatest of all medicines and I find it sometimes in unlikely places. Where do you find joy? Winter is often a time when so many fall away from their fitness regimes, stop eating as healthy because many of the fruits and vegetables aren’t available during the colder months. No wonder New Year’s resolutions come right in the middle of this season! A few tips to staying healthy and active throughout Jack Frost’s season.

1. Your favorite fruits and vegetables aren’t available-what now? Rather than give up on healthy eating, incorporate other delicious foods into your diet. Squashes are a particular favorite with hundreds of culinary applications.  Apples can be found any time of the year and berries-don’t stop eating just because you can’t always get fresh. Frozen berries aren’t as appealing, yet offer the beneficial nutrients.

2. I walk or run outside and can’t afford a gym membership-what now? Keep on walking. If needs be then bundle up and find a pair ice walkers (an inexpensive item) and take to the road or a trail. Your body will adjust to the inclement weather better than you may realize. Buy a workout dvd or go online for at-home workouts, but whatever you do, don’t stop exercising because of the weather-you’ll just have to start all over

again every summer.

3. Make time for the simple pleasures. Ah, it’s those little things that give us joy and since your worries are no longer on healthy eating or exercise, you have time to enjoy the falling snow, a child’s recital, family dinners, a book by the fire, or watching your dog chase squirrels in the snow. Find what brings you joy and hold onto that. Find joy in new things and I guarantee that the tediousness of life will melt away with the snowflakes.