“You ain’t got to worry about me,” says my best friend jokingly as we talk about winter trips to cabins and skiing. “I just know I don’t really like to do nothing where I have to be cold.”
What she is saying is real. I mean, I don’t like to be cold either. But I don’t want to be too hot when I think about it. If I had to choose one of the two situations, I just might say hot.
I always crack a joke and say my ancestors are from Africa as to why I don’t like cold weather.
But really, not liking to be cold doesn’t mean that Black folks don’t like or enjoy winter activities. It just means that when we head out in the cold to enjoy the outdoors, we have to dress the part. Isn’t this just what anyone would do?
During a recent interview with Jim Dandy Ski Club president Janice M. Jackson, I realized that sometimes we might rob ourselves of experiences, opportunities, and simply knowing something else we may be good at.
(Interview clip with Janice M. Jackson, president of Jim Dandy Ski Club, the oldest ski club in the nation.)
When it comes to outdoor activities and winter sports, Black folks are seriously lacking. This includes skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sports like hockey.
What’s preventing us from doing these things? Winter weather? I think that is an excuse keeping us from venturing into the unfamiliar. When I think about skiing, I can only see myself going down a very steep mountain screaming for my life. What is in my mind is a far cry from what reality is.
Jackson had something very beautiful to say during our conversation.
“The more that they expand their horizons, the better their life would be. I like to see our people get beyond their neighborhood(s). You don’t know what life has for you if you don’t get out there and try something different,” said Jackson.
I’ve worked hard not to put certain things on my children. They have played soccer, baseball, the violin, and the saxophone. My son also roller skates, occasionally snowboards, and camps. My daughter rollerskates and likes skateboarding.
Outside of rollerskating and recently camping, I have never participated in any of those things. My list of things to do before it’s too late is growing. At 45, I need to put a rush on a few of these bucket list items.
Tip: Don’t let excuses like the weather prevent you from living life.
What’s next on your bucket list? Let me know. I just might join you.
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