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April Showers by Stephanie Nickel
The wind is whistling past the closest window, attracting my attention. These days, when I turn my head to look outside, I’m not sure whether I’ll see sunshine, rain, or snow.
My response to this time of year can be as changeable as the weather itself.
“Let’s curl up and watch TV.” OR “Let’s grab the umbrella and go for a walk in the rain.”
“I’m going to grab a hot chocolate to take the chill off.” OR “Mm, I’m going to have a smoothie with breakfast.”
“I have to stop at the market on the way home.” OR “Just another month of ready-made comfort food.”
“I’m going to join the gym so I can get my cardio no matter what the weather’s like.” OR “I’ll get out in the evenings when the weather’s better.”
“I’ll keep water by my workstation and drink non-caffeinated herbal teas.” OR “It’s too cool to drink water; I’ll stick with my high calorie, flavoured coffees just for now.”
“Today is a good day to start that exercise program I developed.” OR “What difference does another week or two make.”
“I can still make a good start.” OR “That special event is just around the corner. What difference will exercise and healthy eating make before then?”
“It’s time to ramp it up.” OR “Those few squats I do while waiting for the coffee and those three or four exercises I do at my desk at least keep me moving—a little.”
“I’m gonna sign up for the rec league this year.” OR “Everyone else on the team is bound to be more sports-minded and competitive than I am. They won’t want me on the team anyway.”
“I know someone who needs an accountability partner. I’m going to be there for her.” OR “I’m going to call my friend and meet her at the local coffee shop.”
“I’m going to do laps of the soccer field while my kids play.” OR “I’ve worked hard all day. I’m going to sit here on my camp chair and read a book.”
“It’s time to start fresh and leave yesterday behind.” OR “‘The best laid plans’ and all. I’ve had so many false starts. Why should this time be any different?”
As the saying goes, “April showers do bring May flowers.”
And just a note . . . This post is not about instilling guilt. (Trust me. I have way more excuses than those I’ve listed here.) There is a time to kick back and relax, a time to watch TV with the family, and definitely a time to curl up with a good book. However, it’s far too easy to make these our go-to choices when it would be much better for us to grab that umbrella and follow Gene Kelly’s lead. (And for those of you who are too young to understand the reference, he starred in “Singin’ in the Rain”—even before my time.)
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Steph Beth Nickel is an author, a freelance editor and writer, a labour doula, and a former personal trainer. She’d love to connect with you on Facebook or Twitter, on her website or blog.