Episode 41

41 - Embrace Winter for a Better Spring

41 - Embrace Winter for a Better Spring

In this episode, we explore how to turn winter into a season of growth, preparation, and joy. Instead of seeing the colder months as downtime, discover how they can become an essential part of your yearly cycle. From fitness and skill-building to adventure planning and embracing winter’s unique charm, we’ll cover practical tips to ensure you not only enjoy winter but also step into spring feeling energized and ready for new adventures.

Fitness for Winter and Beyond: Staying active in winter is key to enjoying seasonal activities and being ready for spring. We discuss winter sports like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and birdwatching hikes, as well as indoor activities such as yoga or martial arts to build strength and endurance.

Skill-Building for Outdoor Success: Winter is perfect for learning and practicing essential skills. From bird identification using flashcards and apps to navigation and nature-focused courses, we talk about how honing these abilities enriches your time outdoors.

Planning Future Adventures: Preparation makes all the difference when warmer weather arrives. Learn how to create an adventure database, plan bucket-list trips, and scout work-friendly remote spots to extend your time outdoors.

Gear Maintenance and Upgrades: Winter is the ideal time to inspect, clean, and organize your camping gear. Make sure too you know how to use your gear so you are ready to go and the gear will be successful.

Embracing Winter’s Unique Charm: From stargazing under crisp winter skies to exploring nature trails and birdwatching, there’s so much to love about the colder months. We also highlight opportunities to travel south for milder weather adventures.

Takeaways:

-Winter is more than a time to hibernate; it’s a season of preparation and rejuvenation.
-Staying active, learning new skills, and planning future adventures make winter both productive and enjoyable.
-With thoughtful preparation and a proactive mindset, you’ll step into spring feeling ready for anything.

Links and Resources:
Visit A Better Life and SmallSteps.com for more inspiration, resources, and blog posts to help you enjoy every season to the fullest!

Tune in now and embrace winter as a time for growth and transformation!

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Blog Headquarters at https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com/

Email the podcast at mailto: jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

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Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.