Well, seems like Winter is over and Spring has sprung. Kinda. Some days are warm, some days are still cold and wet. But ... you can feel the weather changing, and with that comes Spring Break at school. It also seems that Winter Break just happened, and during that time in February, we (as a family) went skiing in Canada. Fun times. So for Spring Break, I couldn't and didn't want to break the bank — and we had a STAYCATION. Yes, that famous word that means having some fun in your own backyard, exploring your own city, taking day trips around your area and just getting to do stuff that you normally don't do because life gets in the way. And one of the places we really like to go to is the Shawangunk Ridge in New Paltz, NY. We've been going there since the mid 1990s (sounds like a long time ago!). There are three lakes, over 50-miles of trails, rock climbing, and really anything for the outdoor enthusiast. We decided to go for a day hike there as we've done many times before during other Spring Breaks.
Our routine usually consists of stopping at a local Italian Deli and getting delicious sandwiches to eat while overlooking the lakes, usually sitting at one of the highest rock peaks. So, we did. We left home a bit before 10am, got there around 11-ish and then hit the deli and drove to Minnewaska State Park. We put everything in the backpack — that of course, I carried :) — and set out to have a fun day. We like to take the carriage trail around Minnewaska lake just about half way, then we like to turn into the actual rock formations and do some rock climbing. Not the super technical stuff that requires ropes, just the type that requires you to be aware and in some sort of decent shape.
Now, I acknowledge this post is not about storytelling what happened during our hike, but I feel compelled to share that when you get kids and teens outside and out of the digital/techy world they live in, the conversations do change and their behavior does too. We had a lot of fun as a family that day and these are memories I do cherish.
So ... after eating, hiking and resting we decided to go see the waterfall. Since it is spring time and the snow has melted, the water flow is usually large. And, the water is super cold. So when we got there and I felt the water, I decided to do something for myself and do a cold water immersion (Wim Hof style).
My kids thought I was crazy ... how was I going to just take my clothes off and be in my boxer shorts? I said, "Who cares?" ... "everyone's seen boxers before!" So I did, I got down to my boxers, did some deep breathing and I got into the cold (very cold) stream of water. I think I was in there for about 5 minutes or so, flipping from front to back as the water wasn't very deep and I wanted to submerge my face. Wow! I'm still amazed at how great it feels for your body to connect with ice cold water. I've been practicing the Wim Hof Method since October, and finish all my showers with ice cold water for 60 seconds. I'm impressed at how well my body has adapted to the cold water immersions and at how "adaptable" our bodies are to whatever we want to expose them to.
So ... that's it. That's what I wanted to share. My #payyourhealthfirst experience:
Even though you have "parental" duties and want to connect with your kids, and take them for a hike, and have fun with them ... there is ALWAYS time to think of yourself and what is good for you. In this example, I had loads of fun that day ... and was also able to sneak in a bit of time for myself with my ice cold water immersion. I believe it also teaches my kids that no matter where you are in your life journey, being mindful and aware of the things that make you thrive is important.
In summary:
Always make sure you can do something for yourself. In this case, yes ... go ahead and enjoy a Spring Break day out with your kids, a fun family hiking day, but don't forget about making time for yourself as well. Remember you're the most important person. If you're not okay, then you can't be present (fully) for others. All of this reminds me of something we often hear. It is like the safety announcement on the plane:
In the event of a sudden cabin pressure drop, please make sure to put on your oxygen mask first and then help others put on their mask ...
It is so true. It doesn't really help others much if you're passed out. So it is important to take care of yourself first, not sometimes, but always.
Remember, commit to thrive and #payyourhealthfirst,
-- Chris
