As we roll into a new year, it seems mamas everywhere are grasping at straws. How can we enliven this year? Give it a fresh run? Make the most of Pandemic, Round 2?
I know, how about we set a really wild and crazy goal? Let’s spend 1,000 hours outside in the next 12 months! I'm sure you've all seen this challenge all over social media by now, printables and all.
In all honesty, this sounds wonderful
But let’s talk logistics…
My kids do a fair amount of school online right now – not all day by any means, but their daily math curriculum, some class Zooms here and there, and a weekly art class. Even their book club is facilitated online right now. I plan breaks outside – at least a 30-minute recess while I prep lunch – and we walk to the mailbox most days. But if I sign us up to check off 1,000 hours, we would need to hit an average of 2.75 hours outside each day.
When you compare that to our given 24 hours, I understand that three-ish hours isn’t much, but with school and meals and sleep, I just don’t see it happening. Oh, not to mention that I live in the Pacific Northwest where it is WET more days than not.
The weather isn’t my biggest issue with spending 1,000 hours outside, though. We have rain gear – full rain suits and the best rain boots on the market. I could make it happen if I really wanted to. My issue is 1,000 hours outside would become another attempt at a most likely unattainable goal.
This year, I need grace
I need less benchmarks. I do not need a chart telling me that we are hours behind on what should be a fun experience.
So, we are taking the heart of 1,000 hours outside and being intentional with our time outdoors. Getting out on the days we can, planning adventures, learning about nature, and breathing all the fresh air our lungs can hold. But that’s all. No numbers. No big goal. Just the best we can.
