Grateful for 365 Days of Walking
Even when I didn't want to walk, staying the course shifted a lot for me.
This week, I celebrated my one-year anniversary of walking. I went for a long walk to celebrate. I thought about why I stayed committed to this practice each step of the way. I reflected on the ways my life has changed this year. I've gained a new lifelong friend, Libby DeLana. I feel more connected to my body than I have in a few years. My mental and physical health has drastically improved. I am a better version of myself because of walking every single day. Even when I didn't want to walk, staying the course shifted a lot for me. It showed me the beauty in trusting myself, doing hard things, and remembering that I am worthy of prioritizing my well-being.
Committing to this promise has really shaped me and shown me the beauty of self-love. Something that walking has taught me is that loving myself can be as simple as choosing to keep my word to myself. It's as simple as going for a walk, long or short, and believing that I am deserving of that time and space. I don't have to be "going somewhere" to walk. That's another huge lesson that's emerged during the year—learning how to be okay with not knowing where life, or my walks, will take me. There is something magnificent about trusting and honoring the path. I'm so grateful for that realization this year. Every cold, hot, rainy, or snowy walk has revealed something to me. Even if that something is, I AM NOT feeling this walk today. My walking practice has opened me up to deeper patience and understanding. It also reminded me to honor the season I am in.
I'm grateful that rain or shine, I choose to walk.
I'm grateful that missing a day isn't an option.
Most of you may know that the inspiration for my walks started when I read an article in Magnolia magazine about Libby, the creator of This Morning Walk. Lib has been walking every single damn day for eleven years. That still blows my mind. Her book Do/Walk was a game changer for me. I listened to it two times before actually starting my practice. The rest is history. I am so grateful that Libby's fidelity to walking sparked mine and so many others. It's comforting to know that, near or far, we are walking together.
Last September, I promised to get up, get outside, and get moving. I've done just that. Not always without a second thought, but the promise has been honored nonetheless. Keeping my word to myself holds a lot of weight—because I haven't done that for most of my life. The simple act of going for a walk, clearing my mind, and being present and grounded even when I rather stay home has become a huge part of my day-to-day. And at this point, I don't think I'll ever stop walking.
I'm so very proud of myself.
I'm so grateful that even when I wanted to quit, I didn't.
I'm so happy that a simple walk can change my entire day for the better.
Cheers to another year ahead. Day by day, step by step.
Listen to Libby and I talk about my year of walking here on our podcast HERE.
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