walking with purpose
Last time I left you, I shared a little “I’ve been there too” action that maybe came across more intensely rather than the empowering message I aspired to share. However, the intention behind the story remains. Don’t. Give. Up. Sometimes life tips sideways on us offering a chance to rebuild ourselves upright or not. Maybe the new perspective forced on us ends up better than expected. Anyway, I wanted to round back to extend a pick-me-up, which is why you get a baby pic of LK with the forever unenthused Holly dog. And the note that I’m always here for you. Always.
“You walk with purpose.”
~ Craig
My close friend from college, Craig, and I often walked around campus together in the evenings. Despite my short stature, I kept up with his long-legged stride. And he fully appreciated this factor. Even complimented me. He phrased it as such, “you walk with purpose.”
Craig’s words stuck with me through the years not only because they made me blush with pride but also because they’ve defined my zest for life. Some part of my psyche has always understood what limited time we get here on Earth and I’ve known that keeping pace affords more time to squeeze it all in. Or maybe it’s simply older brother trained legs. Either way, the metaphor for ambition isn’t lost in translation from action to words.
Momentum
Found in the least likely of places.
Seemingly, I’m advocating for ambition. While a useful tool, ambition can overwhelm too. So what am I trying to say? Walking with purpose is in essence movement. Momentum. I’m recommending walking as a way to motivate your body and mind while exploring your world. We all know this yet, sometimes we lie to ourselves. In Holly’s wake, I felt extremely awkward walking alone. I felt that I should be running or felt that something seemed missing.
Now, I still feel like I “should” be running for cardio then, I happen upon a beautiful wildflower or the sun escapes out of a cloud and I’m reminded how much walking matters too. Whether you walk slowly to bask in the sun or you walk quickly in order to sweat, walking provides rewarding mood boosting properties by releasing endorphins. I would cite that info except that it’s a known fact these days.
And truthfully, I’m attempting to motivate and inspire not ply you with knowledge, whys, and how-to information. What does motivate you? What’s holding you back? Need accountability? Find it. Need time in your schedule? Prioritize a walk about before any big meeting, presentation, or simply to break up your day. Ahhh geez, here I go doing the exact thing I just typed I wouldn’t do! Seriously, walking awakens your mind and has been proven to help with test anxiety (Harvard Health, Exercising to Relax, 2020). AND anxiety and stress in general!
Ok, please forgive my studiousness and now enjoy some wildfleur photos from my recent walks. Then, let me know what you find along your own walking paths! I bet you’ll find a bit of momentum to accomplish other tasks in your day to day that you haven’t discovered the energy for quite yet. Like the tenacious tree blooming despite the snow on the ground, you will be a beacon of happiness for those around you. I’ll be walking with you in spirit this Spring.
Enjoy the sights you find!
🧚🏻♀️
