There are seven days to go until the first day of spring — not that I’m counting.

OK, maybe I am, but who can blame me? There is nothing like the first few days of nicer, warmer weather when you can shed your big, winter coat and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. There is nothing quite like the joy of smelling the early spring flowers come into bloom or the sight of native trees slowing earning back their green leaves after the long winter.

In Michigan, people always say that we are lucky to be able to experience all four seasons. While I agree, I must admit that I would be just as happy if we only experienced three: spring, summer and fall.

Snow and winter weather certainly offer their charms to the holiday season, but by Dec. 26, I’m usually ready for the beach again. I’m no fan of winter driving (or the ditches I have found myself in because of it), slipping on un-shoveled sidewalks or bracing myself against icy winds. But mostly, I hate that winter tends to keep people — myself included — indoors, inactive and bored.

Like many people I know, winter becomes an excuse for me never to leave the house, eat indulgent foods and make my couch my favorite piece of real estate. Now, after months of winter, I am left with a sense of cabin fever. I am ready for sunshine, activity and to spend a lot less time in front of the TV.

With warmer weather on the way, there is so much in southwest Michigan for us to enjoy that we can leave our winter blues behind.

Personally, I’m excited to get back outside to enjoy nightly walks along Niles’ Riverfront Park or on Buchanan’s McCoy Creek Trail. I’m ready to get back into the groove of my weekly hikes at any of Michigan’s state parks.

Many of our communities are hosting events to help people get back out there and active this spring. For example, the Cass County Conservation District is hosting hikes at Vandalia’s Dr. T.K. Lawless Park every Monday evening. Fernwood in Niles is also hosting many events throughout the spring to get residents excited about nature.

If those are not your cup of tea, maybe you could take a bike out for a spin or even just read a book outdoors.

With so much to do, here’s hoping that the adage of “March comes in like a lion, out like a lamb” holds true this year and that we can all shake off our winter blues soon.