Venturing Out on a Dreary Day
Yesterday was one of those days where it feels hard to get moving. The weather has gotten a bit more chilly over the last week or so, so going out just doesn’t sound as fun. And it was overcast and cloudy all day, sapping my energy levels until I just wanted to take to my bed with a remote control.
By evening, the kids were restless and I was nearly unconscious. I knew I’d feel better if we went out, but every time I thought about it, a list of obstacles popped into my head: I’d have to pack a bag, I’d have to corral the whole crew by the front door, I’d have to oversee the unearthing of five sets of shoes and five jackets, I’d have to strap the baby in the stroller or buckle everyone in their car seats….
Funny how it’s sometimes the smallest details that loom large and make it hard to get out of the house, eh?
In the end, I made the snap decision that, no, we were not going to succumb to dreary-day doldrums. My husband and I packed the bag and found the shoes and buckled the straps and belts, and headed down to see the new fountain in our hometown. And we were rewarded with beautiful, if not exactly hot, weather: right after we got there, the clouds parted and the sun shone down, just long enough for the boys to get soaked in the spray.
See what we’d have missed if we didn’t venture out?
How will you soak up the last bits of summer with your kids?
September 30, 2009, 11:33 am
This resonated with me. It really is all about the motivation, isn’t it? It’s funny how large all those preparations loom in our minds and how they can stop us in our tracks if we let them. I’m glad you had such a good day, after all
September 30, 2009, 11:34 am
Yesterday we had a gorgeous last bit of summer — mellow weather with just a hint of coolness, a gorgeous blue sky — so I strapped my two-year-old into the bike trailer, the seven-year-old hopped on her bike, and the three of us rode to a nearby lake. We examined woolly caterpillars, ate apples, threw rocks at the water, and made the most of the weather. It was lovely — and here in Iowa, it’ll be over all too soon.
September 30, 2009, 11:42 am
I have trouble motivating myself to venture out with the kids and I only have two, which leads me to believe it’s a personality thing, not a number-of-offspring thing! Anyway, I hear you — it’s nearly always the case that when you grumble the most (but still get butt off of couch and tear kids away from easier stuff like toys or TV) and get out there, you end up having the most fun. I’ll keep this in mind next time I try to argue myself out of prepping to go out!
September 30, 2009, 2:53 pm
I needed to hear this. We get so cooped up in our apartment for all the same reasons. But I’m almost always happy when we manage it. Even though it takes a ton of motivation. Thanks for reminding us!
September 30, 2009, 3:07 pm
Sometimes it really is the SMALLEST details that make it hardest to get outside. Thanks for this inspiring post!
September 30, 2009, 5:36 pm
I know exactly what you mean. And you know, I should really learn — every single time I’ve gone out when it would have been so much easier to stay home, I’ve been grateful in one way or another. Thanks for the reminder.
September 30, 2009, 6:13 pm
Just the other day we were trapped in the house all day while I fought off a migraine. By late afternoon it was beginning to lift, but I still didn’t feel like going out. However, the kids were bouncing off the walls, so they packed up their babies and we went on a walk. The lovely new fall air cleared my head and the girls ran off their excess energy. It was a win-win–I’m glad I made the effort!
October 1, 2009, 8:54 am
This is so true. And what great photos to illustrate your point! I end up on the couch with the clicker way too often, especially now that days are starting to get shorter. Next time I have the urge to impersonate a slug, I’ll remember this post!
October 1, 2009, 4:38 pm
Today is EXACTLY that kind of day. We stuck it out inside but I’m feeling inspired to take a risk and actually go outside next time. Thanks for the reminder that we can make the most of the cruddiest of days.