the power of a walk

Besides writing on my blog every day this month I've also started keeping a journal of the joys and fun I have each day along with what I'm grateful/thankful for. I must say I'm doing pretty well.

One of the things I love doing and that brings me joy is walking; yes, a very simple thing for me to do but I really enjoy it. So today after Kadison went down for a nap I thought of all the things I had on my "to do" list that I should be doing but instead I decided to go for a walk. For one, it's too beautiful outside to be inside and hey, I just didn't want to wash my car either! So insted I laced up my shoes and hit the pavement.

I could of strapped on my ipod but I didn't, I wanted to experience the walk in peace. All the leaves are turning and falling. So many people out riding bikes, walking, doing "yard work" or at the parks having fun. I wanted to time myself to see how long it would take me to walk out to the beach and it only took me 20 minutes! Now, that's too close not to be going every day!!

While walking I realized how over the years I've enjoyed walking... remembering back to when we would head up to Northern Wisconsin to visit the Grandparents and walking from one to another; gravel roads, creeks, cows in the pasture and stories being told of each house we passed.

The walks taken with my best friend Lorna in junior high, where every Saturday we would walk downtown over the bridge to Riverside park and over the bridge again and up and around the town. Just for the sake of walking and talking...and for the occassional honk we'd get.

The walks we would take in the middle of the night after sneaking out of the house, just wandering the streets for no other reason than to hang with friends.

The walks in college - with friends down to the river or to bars:) Talking...and walking...there is nothing better.

The walks with my mom and her sisters...after gathering and eating there was always one of them who would say "Who's up for a walk?!" and they'd all pile out the door and up the road...us young ones following just to hear the stories they would tell.

The walks at night in San Francisco when you could explore all the secret stairs, streets and parks. San Francisco after dark is one of the most magical places I've ever experienced.

The walks after Kadison was born; exploring the new little town we'd moved to -bundling her up in her stroller and taking to the sidewalks and out the beach. Those early months of her and I walking - me chatting it up and her silently listening or should I saw snoozing are some of the most cherished times I've had with her.

The promise to myself is to take more walks - alone, with friends, with family. Get out there and enjoy what I enjoy. Nothing better than a quiet walk enjoying the sounds of nature to clear the mind or in my case come up with a story.

Posted by stef at November 5, 2006 04:09 PM