Are You Playing Enough?

Are you playing enough? It’s worth it! My body, mind, and spirit are just buzzing from the natural high of doing something I love – something I hadn’t done in years. Snowshoeing!

As you read this, pay attention to what comes to mind for you. What kinds of play did you love when you were younger and haven’t done in years? Bringing some of those back into your life can do wonders!

We’d had a huge snowfall overnight. It got me so excited. Sure, I had work to do. But I’d promised myself to play more this year.

I didn’t play much last year as I was “too busy” building my website and doing B-School. I had a lot of studio time, which is always fun, but that’s still work-related.

So when I created my 2016 intuitive vision board, it was filled with soul promptings like “Embrace the Canadian Winter”, “Skate the Loop This Winter”, and “Be a Tourist in Your Own Town” (click here to learn how to make yours).

Vision boards work. Right before New Years, I went to a movie with my friend Leslie. She had a pile of stuff in her car to drop off at a thrift store, including a pair of snowshoes and poles. So I took those home!

I used to love snowshoeing. I mean really love it! My old-fashioned wood & sinew pair didn’t make the move to Newfoundland in 2011, when I’d reduced my belongings to just a few boxes.

Now I have new ones – the modern kind. Two days before this snowfall, I’d tried them out in the backyard. There wasn’t much snow, but enough to test the toe grips and poles that had never been a part of my snowshoeing history.

After circling outside the backdoor for a while, I stood at the top of my neighbour’s hill for a good 5 minutes before having the guts to head down. Poles are great! So are toe grips!

I’ve only been down to the river a few times since I moved in 1.5 years ago. I’d originally thought I’d start my days there with water ceremonies and nature contemplation. But I came back from my first trek through the tall weeds with a rash that burned for days. So I’ve been enjoying the river from the house instead.

With the snow, however, I could make it all the way down the hill and along the river for 11 houses to an intersecting creek. I felt like an explorer! I stopped and had a lovely chat with a neighbour across the river who came to see what his dog was barking at. Then I marvelled at all the birds and ice-laced rivulets. I was in total bliss.

I made it back up to my yard and sat there to enjoy my high. I thought the only thing that could make it better was playing with my neighbours’ dogs. So I went to get them and play we did. I rolled around on the ground like a kid and threw sticks for them to fetch. I felt so happy! This was my first winter play session in a couple of years!

So after our huge snowfall, it only took a glance at my vision board to get me out the door again. My work could wait.

I’m so glad I’d explored the territory before though. The light fluffy snow was up to my knees in most places. But when I’d inadvertently walk over hidden bushes or boulders, I’d slide down or cave in to my waist. I tell ya – poles are great! The grips didn’t do much in these conditions though.

At one point, a duck came and landed a few feet from me, disappearing in the snow. Then her head poked up to look at me. When she realized I hadn’t brought any seed, she waddled her way a bit below eyesight before taking flight again.

This backyard adventure was just as great as the first one!

At one point, I lay down and made a snow angel, closing my eyes and letting the snowflakes melt on my face. I was filled with gratitude – for nature in the backyard, my flexible entrepreneur schedule, the home I share with my housemate, my new snowshoes, my body, and so much more.

I’m so glad my intuitive vision board reminded me of how important it is to play and do things I love. My whole being vibrated with joy.

The next day, I went skating at The Loop in downtown St. John’s for the first time ever before having dinner with my friends Kim and Daryl. I hadn’t skated in about 5 years! More fun! More gratitude! More health & happiness!