Put One Foot in Front of the Other to Enjoy a Pure Michigan Winter

Jodi Davis

| 3 min read

As I look out my window today and see the freshly fallen snow, it brings along with it some of the familiar excitement that I encountered as a child. You know the feeling — it’s when you just can’t wait to get outside and make footprints in the blank canvas of white that nature has provided. Okay, maybe I’m not quite as enthusiastic about making those footprints as I am about just getting outside to take a long, brisk walk in this amazing winter wonderland. Ahhh yes, it’s Pure Michigan at its finest, without a doubt!
Now I realize that many of you may be thinking to yourself: “There is no way I’m getting off this warm couch and taking a walk in this cold weather, absolutely not.” It’s a common response; in fact, that is exactly what I would have said if someone mentioned taking a walk outdoors to me years ago. Why in the world would I go outdoors when I could enjoy the warmth of my home instead? I mean, come on… really?
Plus, getting ready to go outdoors in cold weather was considered an actual exercise for the old 300 pound me. Hey, getting ready for a day outdoors during the winter can be difficult for the thinnest and fittest among us, and it can be daunting for people who carry excess fat on their bodies like I did. I was more than 150 pounds overweight and just putting on layers of outdoor gear including boots, along with my extra weight was very difficult, almost exhausting.
But when I changed my lifestyle in January 2001, I knew that I had to just “do it” and quit focusing on my weight obstacle. I merely told myself to get dressed in my winter hat, scarf and mittens, put on those big snow boots and simply put one foot in front of the other and take a walk beginning right out my front door.
That saying reminds me of a song from the Christmas movie classic “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” — a song about putting one foot in front of the other:
If you are hesitant about taking a walk outdoors today, read the lyrics below. They may just help you put one foot in front of the other… and WALK! Yes, walk out that door and enjoy some physical activity that will provide several health benefits and increase your energy level. It can be considered your first step towards a healthier lifestyle…
Put One Foot in Front of the Other



Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking cross the floor
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking out the door



You never will get where you’re going
If you never get up on your feet
Come on, there’s a good tail wind blowing
A fast walking man is hard to beat



Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking cross the floor
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking out the door



If you want to change your direction
If your time of life is at hand
Well don’t be the rule be the exception
A good way to start is to stand



Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking cross the floor
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking out the door



If I want to change the reflection
I see in the mirror each morn
You mean that it’s just my election
To vote for a chance to be reborn
Let me know how your walk goes, I’d love to hear about it!
Photo by Pingu1963

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