A short change in the weather conditions and it was mayhem. Gardening started, washing out on the line, BBQ organised and bike ride completed! It’s amazing what a bit of sun does for productivity, with tasks that get put off when we have a cold / wet spell.
The motorbikes were out in force, as were the cyclists and walkers, and the pubs were full of people enjoying a drink in the sun. It was fantastic.
I love the fact we experience the different weather conditions in the UK, it makes things interesting. Although, I’d like a bit more sun, and for it to be predictable, so I could organise certain things such as a family camping weekend or a beach day.
With the clocks forward an hour we get longer, lighter days and that gives me more motivation to do things after work. I am more tempted to go for a walk down the beach with the family, more tempted to drag the family on a bike ride, just more tempted to do things together, which we don’t do, as much, when it is dark and wet.
With the children growing up, it won’t be long before they are all living somewhere else, and, as much as that has its benefits, we will lose a bit of connection. Not seeing them every day, bumping into them on the landing, or rushing to beat them into the shower, is stuff I will miss.
This makes me think that I shouldn’t rely on the weather to spend time together. I shouldn’t make excuses, not to do something, because it’s raining or dark. I should embrace the UK weather and make it work in my favour. Run in the rain, get the wellies and coat on and walk through the forest feeling the raindrops hitting my head and hearing the trees battling against the barrage of rainfall.
As I get older (and the kids get older) it’s easy to make excuses not to do something, I do it all of the time, but it’s rarely a ‘real’ excuse, it’s normally a “I can’t be bothered” excuse. I wonder how many things I have missed because I have chosen not to do something, due to the weather.
Some of the most memorable camping trips, we have been on, have been in the worst weather. The fun and laughter, family and friends coming together to put tents up and get things sorted. Sitting undercover with a hot chocolate watching the lightening stretch across the dark night sky. Fantastic memories!
I have organised to go to Wales, at the end of May, with a group of friends and our families. I was hoping it would be sunny and lovely weather but now I don’t actually mind, either way, we will have a great time and build amazing memories.
What have you stopped doing or are making excuses about? What impact would it have if you stopped making those excuses?
For me: No more weather excuses – just do it, put a jacket on and enjoy the experience.