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mbrace the Manitoba winter! It's advice that many Manitobans have always taken. Some of us — partly by default — are now discovering what our neighbours have always known. Winter can be a season of fun, opportunity and renewal! I love winter. Few memories make me giggle more than recalling the first time I cross-country skied. I had assumed that skiing on flat land would be easy. It was not. In anticipation of swift success, I ventured out beside the road. Immediately, I sank into a ditch filled with untouched snow. At the time, I hadn't heard of the Manitoba Cross Country Ski Association. Had I known then what I do now, I would have saved myself from the experience of being excavated from that snow-filled ditch as if I were Olaf from Disney's Frozen. Reaching out to experts when you start a new activity is always a good idea. This is especially important when that sport is down-hill racing. Amateur racing enthusiasts might want to learn from my bravado-filled mishap and seek guidance before leaping onto a course by approaching The Manitoba Alpine Ski Division. I know firsthand that both types of skiers defend their sport. But skiers share a key thing in common — the relief they feel when they remove their boots at the end of the day! Thinking of boots, are yours warm? They had be er be if you choose to take up snowmobiling. New snowmobilers have a lot to learn. Snoman Inc. is a club geared to advise new and experienced riders about their trails, vehicle insurance and general safety. But winter isn't just about outdoor activities. This time of year has always been a bit slower. It's when we can focus on a myriad of pursuits that spark happiness. Life coach and philanthropist Steve Maraboli once said, "Happiness is a state of mind, a choice, a way of living; it's not something to be achieved, it's something to be experienced." He's right. Well, right about everything except achievement. Many of us are completely thrilled E It's Winter: Craft, Play, Love By Charlene Adam 2 | W I N N I P E G F R E E P R E S S LAUNCH No need to let winter ruffle your feathers. There are plenty of ways to pass the time — and maybe learn something new as we launch into 2021. Register now for courses umextended.ca/online or call 204 474 8800 APPLIED COUNSELLING Explore the counselling process and learn to develop eective counselling strategies so you can help others. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Become a leader in HR with innovative courses that correspond with the HR competency framework–providing eligibility for the CPHR designation. BUSINESS ANALYSIS Become a business analyst or apply business analysis in your profession. Oered in partnership with the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). CHANGE MANAGEMENT Enroll in the only Change Management credential oered by an academic/postsec- ondary institution in Manitoba. E-LEARNING LETTER OF ACCOMPLISHMENT Stay ahead of the curve. Discover and apply the advantages of E-Learning. Choice of teaching or design stream. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT FOR ADULT LEARNERS Meet the growing need for adult educators and trainers, and learn how to design and develop eective adult learning programs. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Take the next step in your management career with an academic credential and a nationally recognized professional designation to add to your resume. QUALITY MANAGEMENT Learn how to lead the transition from quality control to quality excellence. Quality Manage- ment tools can be applied in any industry. Keep Learning. Online from anywhere in Canada. As we have learned, there is no way to predict the future but you can embrace it and plan for change with online learning. We have the quality courses and programs to help you move forward in your life and in your career. FOLLOW US ON

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