Thriving in winter versus merely surviving it

What’s your approach to winter? Do you seek to survive it, or thrive in it?

Due to illness, family issues and other factors, I recently spent more time than usual between snowboarding outings. The experience was not enjoyable but it was informative. It reminded me of my pre-skiing and pre-riding days, when my chief concern about winter was how to survive it. You know all the negatives that are associated with winter: short days, cold temperatures, icy roads, lots of snow to shovel from the driveway and sidewalks, plenty of overcast days, and lost opportunities to undertake warm-weather activities such as grilling out or playing a round of golf.

You’re probably also aware of the typical responses to these negatives: Find create ways to survive indoors. Take some good books and sit by a fireplace. Amp up the subscription to Netflix and spend more time in front of the TV. Go to a local gym or recreation center for some basketball or indoor swimming. Bake cookies. When all else fails, escape to Florida, Texas, or Arizona. And of course, complain about how much you hate winter and can’t wait for it to end. In this mindset, winter is like a virus, an alien that invades “normal” life. When spring finally repels it, celebrations ensue.

That’s not an entirely unreasonable approach. Statistically speaking, winter is only 25 percent of the calendar, and the most severe part of winter takes up even less than that. But holing-up-for-winter has negatives of its own. The most obvious is cabin fever. A less obvious one is the fact that holing up means losing opportunities for personal growth and enjoyment that come from braving the elements.

Friedrich Nietzsche is supposed to have said, “That which does not kill me makes me stronger!” I don’t buy his philosophy in general, and even this maxim has its limitations. But there’s a kernel of truth in there. There can be something exhilarating about facing a tough situation and coming out of it. Now add not just coming out of it, but finding enjoyment IN it. That’s a life-affirming experience. It’s not just turning lemons into lemonade, but turning lemons into the most enjoyable beverage you could ever imagine.

There’s so much to enjoy about getting out in the winter for snowboarding, skiing, or other snow-based activities: the natural beauty of trees covered in snow; the sparkle of the sun reflecting off the snow; the contrast between the blue sky and the white snow; the appearance of exhaled breath appearing as smoke, affirming that yes, you are alive. And all that’s before you enjoy the delights of making turns down the mountain or hill using your snowboard or skis.

So dress in layers, take some water with you for hydration, and go thrive outdoors in winter!