Walking gives me so much joy. Most days, I walk alone. I walk with my favourite artists and singing along helps regulate my breathing when taking on a long and winding uphill path. I typically listen to the same songs on my walks. Music seems so personal when you are wearing headphones. There is something intimate about having music piped into your ears when no one else can hear what you are listening to. Music evokes so many emotions and can bring on old memories and also fuel our dreams for the future. I may listen to the same songs repeatedly, but I always hear something different every time: a cymbal, a simple nuance or perhaps understanding the lyrics just a little better.

It’s time for you, only you.  Music is magic, but so is taking time for yourself. 

As a side note, walking also does a body good!    

While walking, I get to interact with people.  I say hello to everyone I run into.  I enjoy watching all the dogs enjoying time with their people.  I like dogs, and I like people.  I like smiling while walking and watching the reaction I get from my fellow outdoor enthusiasts.  Smiling is such an international way of communicating that we are all here on earth and stating that we are all in this together.  In good times, pandemic times and perhaps hard times, we are all united somehow with one another, and a kind smile can make a difference in someone’s life at that moment.  Being kind is contagious.  It warms the soul when people exchange a sincere smile, eye contact or a wave.  Never take that for granted.  I am challenged now when indoors and wearing a mask.  It’s tough to see that smile, so outdoors give us the luxury back.  Able to see people unmasked. I enjoy the freedom to chat without being muffled, seeing a lovely toothy grin and enjoy seeing a breathy hello.  We do not see them anymore when indoors sporting a mask.  Do not get me wrong; I don’t have any issue wearing a mask to do my part in flattening the curve, but I miss people’s full faces.  Going on walks gives this back to me.

Now that fall has just arrived, I enjoy watching the beautiful colours that this season graces us with.  The weather is still warm, but we have front row seats to mother nature working her magic. Many times this month I have had the wonderful experiences of having the warm wind caress my body, reminding me that I am alive.  Alive with all the possibilities that life has to offer.  Friendships, work opportunities, moments of pure joy and laughter.  I have spent this trying time living alone.  I am fully aware of the impact this mandated time alone has on our mental health and overall wellness.  I was impacted by fear, financial implications of being laid off for some time, even loneliness, but forcing a walk every day made me incredibly happy.  Exercise tends to increase endorphins, therefore elevating moods.  As I do my gratitude exercises daily, I am grateful for the limbs that carry me and go on my merry walking way.  As I interact with nature, people, pets, music and my inner well-being, I am happy to be alive.  

Presently, as the days shorten, I now get to appreciate the sun as it sets earlier. 

The pink sky, fluffy clouds and the sun settings are so dreamy.  That warm late summer breeze does stand out, and I enjoy how it makes me feel. When I share my thoughts on this matter with my friend Doug Wagner he reminds me that walking as the sun sets creates less stimulation visually, so senses shift into high gear.  Touch, scents and sounds come to the forefront and take over, making a whole new experience on my walks.  Reminding that there is something new to experience every day.  

I wish you all the blessings every day, and please enjoy all the moments in your life.