Gratitude for Time Together

Emotionally, as the days and steps go on, I feel upside down and challenged.

My morning walks are getting harder and hard to go on. It's been so cold, but I have stayed committed. Today marked day 62, and I walked with my mom. By the time we made it out, around 10:45, it had warmed up some. I prefer walking alone, but it was nice walking together and spending time. She was happy to be out, and we had a great time looking at the nature around us. The creeks were babbling, the leaves were crunching beneath our feet, the air was fresh and crisp, and we looked up and saw the most beautiful ducks flying by. It was surprising to see—we both stopped in awe.

Other folks were out walking, too. Some folks were with their dogs. Others were strolling with babies. Everyone seemed to be at ease. There was this quiet contemplation in the air in between me and mom's silence. Then we'd see something beautiful and stop to look at it with childlike delight. At one point, mom said I don't know why I feel so happy right now. That made me smile. My mother and I have come a long way. There was a point in time where I never thought that we would be where we are today. It's been an extreme blessing to be on the other side of the tumultuous relationship we once had. It's been incredibly eye-opening to get to know my mother as a woman and not just the person who brought me into this world.

Walking is restoring me.

It's softening me.

It's showing me things, like how to look up and listen.

I feel emotional writing this because I've never felt so connected to myself and others. From the passersby I see to the animals that greet me along the way—my daily walks have afforded me unmatched clarity. Every step gifts me with moments of reflection that I don't think I could get elsewhere. I'm rethinking everything in my life, from leaving social media to where I want to grow old to what my legacy will be. The healing I'm doing while walking and thinking and seeing is an act of liberation that has, so far, been my gateway to grateful living.

I am alive, I can walk. I am alive, I can breathe. I am alive and grounded in gratitude—what a stunning gift to experience.

Emotionally, as the days and steps go on, I feel upside down and challenged. A bit all over the place, too. I'm feeling called to live a life that is more intentionally connected to myself and my community. I'm still figuring out what that means for me. I've committed to walking for three months straight, that end time is nearing. To be honest, I don't see myself stopping. It almost feels like I can't stop. Why would I? It's blessed and changed me.

Being out with my mom today reminded me that healing can happen and is happening. Not just with and for us, but on an individual level. Cheers to day 62. Cheers to walking together. Cheers to walking alone. Cheers to finding our way in this heavy, beautiful world—one step at a time.

Community, where has gratitude met you this week? Share in the comments below.

Thank you so much for reading Gratitude Weekly. If you like this newsletter, please subscribe here and share it with a friend.