Finding Fun Again

Here we are again.  Another cold Pennsylvania winter--and I just cannot get warm.  I don't like winter.  That's no secret.

In the winter, being active looks like climbing out from under a big blanket and walking to the kitchen for another cup of coffee--and then back again.  Brrrr....

Two years ago I loved dancing with my kids!

This winter, my kids are really encouraging me by the activity they are finding (and loving) despite the freezing days we've had.  In fact, almost every day they come home from school with excitement to turn on some music and have a dance party.  This isn't just crazy time, either.  The kids really WANT to learn some hip hop moves, so I often find them watching videos that explain how to do the "Robo Cop" or the "Running Man."  It cracks me up!  They even get our fourteen-year-old neighbor in on their dance parties.  It is serious business, and about an hour into it they are begging for shorts and tank tops because they've worked up such a sweat.

Kate has also found a love for yoga.  Oh to be a flexible child again!  The things she can do just amaze me.  Yoga is one form of exercise I really enjoy as well, but while I'm struggling to stay upright while attempting to hold the "tree" position, my six-year-old just launches right into the pose and looks like she could hold that thing all day.

The kids also have their hearts set on going to Ballocity again this year for their upcoming birthdays.  Ballocity is this HUGE indoor playground that even adults can enjoy.  It's all about climbing and crawling and sliding--and avoiding the foam balls that are being shot in your general direction.  When I was at my healthier weight, I had a blast with my kids inside the tubes.  We played hide-and-go-seek and scared the dickens out of each others.  We laughed and sweat and had FUN!

No amount of cold will stop him.

It's not just indoor fun that gets the kids moving and active.  Jude and Dan went to Avalanche Express a few weekends ago to do some tubing.  Jude had a goal to climb the trail and tube down 20 times.  He did it!  Not Dan.  He had fun, but he was whipped after about time #8.

I love that kids don't tire easily!  I love how focused they get on the things they want, and also how much fun they have moving and being active.  I have so much to learn from my kids!

I miss being at my healthier weight.  I need to get back there.  I HAVE to.  I see the smile on my face as I look at old pictures--and I want that again.

But I also miss being a kid.

When did I stop wanting to be a kid?  When did I stop loving things like sledding and running back up the hill with my sled in tow?  When did I stop having dance parties or stretching my body in crazy directions just because it was fun to do?  How can I find my love for these things again?  How can I find FUN?

I somehow think winter would be much more fun if I would dig out from under the blanket and have some FUN.  I would feel a lot better and remember that being active is an important part of health and overall attitude.

It's hard to do though, isn't it?  But why?  Why is doing what's good for us so much of a struggle?

I'm going to challenge myself to look for the fun in February.  "FUN FEBRUARY" I'm going to call it.  If being active isn't fun, I know I won't continue doing it.  So....where are you, Fun?  Come out, come out wherever you are!  I'm going to find you!!!