Here is hoping for a whole lot of goodness this Thanksgiving to Christmas season, but beyond the turkey celebrations and surge toward Santa, I will reflect on greatness. Like a pumped up pilgrim or enthused elf, I announce it is available to everyone...
I present to you...
The Great Outdoors! (Plymouth Rock pilgrim fist bumps, North Pole elf cheers)
The following November experiences all have one thing in common and it is being outside. Sounds simple and maybe it is, but there is emerging scientific evidence that there is something profound about stepping out into the elements, no matter who you are or what the elements are - just getting out there is the benefit. A quote from a book I recently read on environmental neuroscience captured it all for this 41-year-old, young at heart, adventure brain:
"Children do not run through walls when there are no walls."
At the beginning of the month, I had the luxury of going on a field trip where walls were not an option. This was due to the "government shutdown", a ludicrious two-word term our nation has in its absurdist back pocket. Due to this factor, our field trip had no access to buildings at the Flight 93 National Memorial, which turned out to be a blessing. I had been to Flight 93 twice before and this third trek was all on foot, all outside. Flanked by my fellow Bold Crossfit gym members, we blazed the trails and felt the sun and wind on a crisp autumn morning. The surrounding nature serving as a serene dedication to what happened on that field. To walk with friends and appreciate the fresh air, imagining what a group of people endured in their final moments in the sky. To hear the Tower of Voices wind chimes and realize that each morning could and should start with gratitude. To exercise and watch the autumn breeze meet a colorful collection of tree leaves...
And then there is the downtown Johnstown Christmas tree and its artifical evergreen majesty, relocated this season to Peoples Natural Gas Park. Light up Night is propelled by that towering tree but I will make my case for the night. Each year our family attends this event, and you could argue the PNG spot of 2025 was even more magical than centered in Central Park, but no matter where they stick that tree, you need the night. The Light Up phenomenon needs moon and stars. It needs imaginative kids looking up and wondering how Santa does it. Imaginations can only go so high when there is a ceiling.
The end of this year's Christmas parade signaled for a believing mob to move as a herd. I felt like a concert going caribou trying to get as close as possible to the countdown. The bright lights came on, the herd rejoiced, and hundreds, if not thousands, walked the winter wonderland. And from Plymouth Rock to the North Pole, humans are inclined to form a community and to celebrate together.
Thanks to all those volunteers for make the Johnstown Light Up Night and Christmas season what it is. If you keep the tree outside, the spirit will be strong.
Strength is often associated with the physical, but the mental game is often what holds the true power. This year's edition of the Stackhouse Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning had a forecast that some humans would label anywhere from not ideal to torturous. 24 hours before race day, the temperature would drop about 25 degrees and the wind would howl like wolves scaring away all the turkeys. Rain had the potential to make the gobble, gobble trails into a googly moogly mud maze. As a board member and dedicated Stackhouse servant, I was raking starting line leaves to serve my fellow countrymen and countrywomen, but this act was more a selfish rouse and effort to stay warm. If I am good at anything, it is forest trickery.
The 2-mile trot was well attended and the weather held up, meaning that all a fun run in wilderness need is for Earth to still exist. If you embrace "there is no such thing as bad weather", you prosper. Thanks to all the trailblazers on Thanksgiving morning, those dressed as turkeys, bundled up too much, and the nutjobs who wore shorts. We need each and every one of you blazing the trails, from the youngest competitor to the oldest athlete unwilling to retire his or her running shoes.
Show up. Lace up. Mind over weather.
This November, my daughters got in our first sled ride of the season and three days later I was riding my bike through the Staple Bend Tunnel; I've run across the bridge above the Stonycreek River, taking a deep breathe and appreciation of the view; I've went on solitude hikes in Stackhouse to clear my head and count my blessings. My gratitude list grows as more miles are logged playing, walking, hiking, biking, and running.
As we move toward December, kick it into gratitude gear. Believe in Santa, your community, and yourself.
Whether you feel great, good, or somewhere farther south, think about stepping outside. That is the only way Santa gets to his sleigh.
Happy Holidays, Johnstown.
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