I am committed and grateful.
Next month, I'll be celebrating 365 days of walking.
Next month, I'll be celebrating 365 days of walking. On September 19th, 2021, I made a promise to myself that I've kept every single day—walk no matter what. Rain or shine, go—and I've done just that. Walking is now a daily practice that I don't think twice about. It's a part of my life at this point, and I never expected that. Today marks 319 days of getting up and going out. I've learned a lot on this journey, like how much harder it is to go than to quit. There have been multiple days that I haven't felt like walking, and on every one of those days, I've still pressed on. When the walk is done, I'm always glad that I went. Every sound, every sight, every tear I've cried and walked through has shown me what it means to put myself first in the simplest way. Moving my body every day has become a prayer or sorts. One that moves me and shows me the importance of believing in myself and worth.
I'm grateful that:
Walking is my daily gift to self,
my gentle reminder in movement,
and the note to self I refuse to lose.
On the days that feel harder than most, I say to myself Go, anyway—you'll feel better. I promise. And with every step, that promise becomes the truth. I hold myself with care and accountability on each inhale and exhale, with one foot in front of the other. It's funny to me some days, this deep love I have for walking. I did not expect to be changed by it. The book that got me through the first month, Do/Walk, is a guide that continues to give me deep and rich life lessons. The human, Libby, who was once a stranger, but is now a friend—30+ years my senior, has taught me the beauty, wisdom, and delight of putting my emotions into motion. One step at a time, she says, go gently.
I've found myself on this new path many times over. A new lesson emerges after each walk. The main one being, I am committed and grateful.
My walking practice has opened my heart up to new possibilities. It reminds me to hold intentional space for gratitude and ease. I am so grateful I chose to get up and go almost a year ago. I'm proud of myself. My life is forever enriched by slowing down, grounding down, and looking up. I notice so much more now. The abundance around me is clearer, too. There's nothing fancy about this practice for me. It's a simple, no-frills act of self-care that I can offer myself—and it is glorious.
Listen to my new podcast with Libby DeLana all about walking through life and the lessons we encounter here.
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