{"id":4222,"date":"2018-01-16T19:49:50","date_gmt":"2018-01-16T19:49:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/?p=4222"},"modified":"2018-01-16T20:04:10","modified_gmt":"2018-01-16T20:04:10","slug":"winter-perspectives-with-kim-macdonald","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/en\/winter-perspectives-with-kim-macdonald\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter Perspectives from The Weather Network\u2019s Kim MacDonald"},"content":{"rendered":"

I have this thing about going outside in winter. I know a lot about it. I can tell you the difference between freezing rain and ice pellets and can throw out explanations of Alberta Clippers and Nor\u2019easters. That\u2019s all well and good in front of a green screen on The Weather Network <\/a>but what about ACTUALLY getting outside? Admittedly, I am more talk than walk, but when I finally do bundle up and make my way outdoors, I rarely regret it.<\/h2>\n
\"Kim
The Weather Network\u2019s Kim MacDonald and her winter walk companion.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I tend to suffer from the winter blues. I\u2019m not sure if I have ever had a full on case of Seasonal Affective Disorder but my mood does change in the winter thanks to the lack of sunshine. My instinct is to hibernate until spring.<\/p>\n

Someone gave me the sage advice years ago, to make sure I get out every single day<\/a>, even if it is only for 10-15 minutes. This is especially important on those rare sunny winter days. That advice was a game changer for me.\u00a0 I realize how important it is for my wellbeing to get out, take in nature and be grateful for the fourth season.<\/p>\n

It helps having a dog that is a lovely mix of Sheppard and (possibly) Husky. She loves the cold and can\u2019t wait to get outside. There\u2019s no need to put booties and a sweater on her. She\u2019s fine going out \u201cau natural\u201d as they say. She also won\u2019t stand for hibernating as soon as the temperature falls below 0C. I highly recommend getting a dog to force you into the outdoors if you have problems with self-motivation.<\/p>\n

I also have the great fortune to live in a large city that\u2019s surrounded by hiking trails and waterfalls. I\u2019m not talking about Vancouver, Calgary or St. John\u2019s. I\u2019m talking about Hamilton. I know, surprising. Hamilton has a reputation for being a steel town but those who live here know that the area is teeming with gorgeous vistas and over 100 waterfalls. You just have to know where to look.<\/p>\n

A friend recently introduced me to such a place nestled in a suburban neighbourhood. Driving past, you would think it\u2019s just a local park. In actuality it\u2019s a trail that takes you along the Niagara escarpment with a wide view of the city below. Yes, it does include a waterfall. Green space within a city is great for everyone. I don\u2019t need to drive three hours north to find a peaceful place to breathe in the fresh air. I can also get there in five minutes without risking an icy or snowy highway drive.<\/p>\n

\"Kim
Kim\u2019s forecast calls for a high chance of outdoor winter fun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you love the great outdoors, skiing, snowboarding, or sledding, then you are set when it comes to a cold, snowy winter and you don\u2019t need this blog to motivate you. If you\u2019re like me and just need a little inspiration to get outside this winter<\/a>, find a beautiful spot that works for you. We live in Canada, and if I can find flora and fauna in an industrialized city, then surely you can find your own piece of paradise where you live.<\/p>\n

Life\u2019s too short to spend an entire season inside. Get yourself some warm clothes, some sturdy boots and take in a little bit of nature every day. You can thank me later.<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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