* Originally written for a sports activity mailing list

Hi All, only two “planned” events left—this week and next. (You can always contact me to meet up spontaneously.) I hope you will come out for them. “Hmm,” you say, but Sunday’s weather doesn’t look that favorable.”  Well, let me take this opportunity to remind you of past advice that I have delivered via this email list around the same time of year:

Even when the weather might not be the best, it is what it is; what are you going to do, stay indoors? In summertime, you can say, “Not today,” and hope for a better day. Nine times out of ten that will work out, because it’s summer and a better day is just around the corner. But in winter the odds are reversed. A better day might not be coming any time soon. Thinking “Not today” will mean nine times out of ten you don’t get outside. While you might not realize it, the simple, easy, decision to avoid the weather becomes a lifestyle choice. And we all know that one lifestyle choice can easily result in others. Immediately it means: less physical activity, more grazing in the kitchen, more TV watching, weight, gain, depression, etc. And down the road it threatens: loss of strength and mobility, more aches and pains, more medicine, deeper depression, etc. Wouldn’t it be better to just plan ahead for the weather—that is, bring something warm and rainproof–and just get outside? Maybe plan for a shorter length of time outdoors in the winter, but the point is to just GET OUTSIDE and spend some time in nature, moving around in the daylight hours. You will thank me for it, later! 

Well, I’ve said my piece. Let’s see who shows up!

God bless,
Mark