Uitwaaien is the Dutch practice of jogging or walking into the wind, especially in the winter, for the purpose of feeling invigorated while relieving stress and boosting one’s general health.

Imagine jogging or walking into the wind and using the feeling of the wind’s resistance to invigorate one’s self.

Do know that airplanes’ ideal conditions to take off and land are when they do so, into the wind. An airplane uses the wind’s resistance to provide them the lift that keeps them afloat.

Sailboats use the wind’s resistance to assist them in tacking, moving in a zigzag motion towards their destination.

In nature, trees become strong and resilient growing into the wind.

What do you when you face headwinds in life?

Do you lean in, avoid, or run away?

Avoiding or running away from headwinds in life does very little to test your character. In comparison, leaning in shows you what you’re made of and can also strengthen and better prepare for the next headwind you face.

Before I continue, let me clarify that I’m not recommending you run towards tornadoes or any other life-threatening situations. But every so often, when you do face a headwind, be like the Dutch, lean in, and run towards it. Use the headwind to become more resilient and, in some cases, even to provide you the lift you need to become a stronger version of yourself.

P.S. For those of you reading this, you might be aware that I started this blog as inspirational and motivational messages to my daughters. The interesting irony about today’s blog post is that I learned the word Uitwaaien a couple of days ago from my middle daughter Ashna. So, Ashna, I’m not sure when you’ll read this but thank you, and I love you always.

P, P.S. As always, thanks for reading! If you enjoyed it, please share it with one person you love.