One Year Cycle

We’re in the last days of Winter and it already feels like Spring. After days of much rain, light snow, and consequently muddy bike trails, it’s now getting nice to be outdoors. My toddler is almost two and a half years old, and I’ve been taking him out for walks all year long. No matter the weather, he’s been out there hiking with me-sometimes for long, steady walks when the weather is nice, and sometimes for short quick walks when the weather is harsh. But at this point, I believe he’s got a good sense of the cyclical way of nature and has experienced it’s many scenes.

I’ve encountered other parents with their kids, which is nice because you share an experience. But it wasn’t too often and the kids were older and/or on strollers. But every child is different, every parent is different, and there is no right or wrong way. We all do our best with our knowledge, experience and situation. But there are three main areas that I’ve focused in raising my toddler; and one of them is physical activity. The other two are nutrition and cognition. I think those are the foundations of a healthy, grounded, and strong development; and to establish them early on is a good way to make it stick for the rest of their lives. We all have different priorities as parents, and for me these were it.

When I would go for walks pushing the stroller I couldn’t wait for the baby to join me for nice strolls. When he did, I couldn’t wait to go on a similar pace and work out together. Now, he’s like my workout buddy and it’s a dream come true. But I try to not take anything for granted and enjoy the present and current phase. The reality is that nothing ever stays the same, and it’s life’s destiny to change and evolve. So, enjoy the present and the process and look forward to the new.