** This post is sponsored by Wente Vineyards but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Last summer I didn’t have much time for the outdoors. I spent most days inside and not enjoying Chicago’s best season to be outside. I also didn’t explore my new neighborhood as much as I should have. I didn’t garden at all, even though I love it. This year I wanted to change that. It’s important for me to spend as much time in nature as I can, especially since I’ll be stuck inside for most of the never-ending winter season. Being outdoors recharges me and really puts things in perspective. I love seeing the small changes in the leaves daily before the season ends. I made a promise to myself that I would get back to making time for myself and doing what I love: gardening, running or simply relaxing outdoors. Why is this important to me? Simply put: It’s self-care! Being around plants and in the sunshine makes me so happy. I am from the Valley of the Sun (aka Phoenix, if you didn’t know) and I feel like it’s in my DNA to love the warmth of the sun.
What inspired me to make this pledge to myself? Wente Vineyards’ Make Time Pledge, which encourages everyone to make a commitment to making time for the activities, pursuits, and people that really make us happy and motivate and invigorate us. Wente Vineyards invites you to take a 21-day pledge that will guide you in your #maketime journey with helpful tips and ideas along the way. This pledge came at a perfect time because I needed some extra motivation and accountability in my life.
To me it doesn’t get more perfect than relaxing outdoors in patio weather, which pairs nicely with the Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonnay. (FYI: I’m a white wine gal, but red-wine lovers might also like the Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon.)
I’m already seeing in a difference in my mood and in my relatonship with my husband after making time for the outdoors. A simple walk at a neighborhood park brings me peace when I get stressed by day-to-day struggles. It’s crazy to look back on last summer and realize how much time I spent inside, letting the season slip away.
Sometimes I just need a change of scenery, especially when my to-do list seems to be piling up, and being outside reminds me what’s truly important. I’m not scrolling on my phone to see what other people are doing. I am listening to the birds who stopped by my bird feeder for a snack. I am finishing garden projects. I am training for a half-marathon, which lets me explore my neighborhood trails and parks. All of these things make me feel more connected to myself and the people around me. That’s what the Make Time Pledge is all about.
In just 21 days of making time for the outdoors, I’ve noticed a significant change in my energy level and mood. There’s also been an unexpected but positive change: I put a little more effort into my appearance each day (vs. staying in my loungewear), which is something I had been neglecting. This is not just superficial. This small change makes me feel more confident and content with myself.
Will you join the 21-day Make Time Pledge? What will you give up to make time for what matters most to you? Have you tried Wente Vineyards’ wines? Also, are you a red or white wine person?
About Wente Vineyards:
- Wente Vineyards is the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery, founded in 1883. Today, over 75 percent of all California Chardonnay stems from the Wente Clone.
- Wente Vineyards is California certified sustainable and carries sustainable practices throughout their estate vineyards, winemaking practices and in the community!
Join Wente Vineyards’ Make Time Pledge
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